Following Heineken Cup qualification the board of Dragons Rugby Ltd. have met and in recognising the added benefits and requirements participation in Europe's Premier Rugby competition brings have agreed to extra funding to bring in players to replace those that have left.
Speaking on this latest announcement from The Dragons Chairman Martyn Hazell said, "Having listened to the requests of the coaching team and with Heineken Cup rugby secured for next season, the board having reviewed our budgets and keeping along the sustainable business lines we have in place have agreed to extra funds being made available to secure extra players along the lines requested by the rugby staff. The aim is to make The Dragons competitive in the Heineken Cup and the additional players will add strength and depth to our squad plus the news will no doubt be welcomed by our loyal supporters."
Head Coach Paul Turner will now begin the search for the type of player that will fit the bill and that search will extend worldwide for a player of international calibre.
Despite the natural turnover of players The Dragons have always sought to replace them with at least a similar standard of player. Welsh international Colin Charvis replaced Jason Forster while current Welsh tourist and international Andy Williams has replaced Gareth Cooper. The hunt for a replacement for Ian Gough continues and a suitable high profile replacement is being sought. The Dragons have also brought Welsh players home in Williams and former Northampton centre Rhodri Gomer Davies. This compliments The Dragons policy of where possible developing local talent as evident with Ashley Smith, Jamie Corsi, Alex Walker, Phil Dollman, Gareth Maule, Lewis Evans and James Harris all of who have signed contract extensions. The Dragons have also been boosted with the news that centre Paul Emerick has signed an extension to his contract. He scored The Dragons winning try that secured them Heineken Cup rugby for next season and is bidding for a World Cup place with the USA.
"It is welcome news that some extra funds are available and will certainly give us the ability to bring in some quality to replace players that have left," commented Head Coach Paul Turner. "Next season is going to be a huge challenge both in the Magners League and back in with the big boys of the Heineken Cup and the squad are looking forward to that. We hope that the momentum we have started in this past season will take us on to better and bigger things. The support has been phenomenal and people have commented to me about the special kind of atmosphere and we hope that will be in evidence next season."
The news is a real boost to supporters of the Men of Gwent and with greater commercial growth in the business and season ticket interest at a high the region continues to move forward.
