Dragons Delight as Connor Returns to his Roots
Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to confirm that Shaun Connor will return to the region, having signed a two-year contract with the Men of Gwent.
The Panteg born fly-half played at Abertillery, Newport and Ebbw Vale within the region before signing with Neath in 2001. Paul Turner looks forward to welcoming Shaun at Rodney Parade next season:
“We’re delighted to bring Shaun back to the region. He has matured as a player since leaving the region several years ago and he will be a great asset to us. His experience will be invaluable to the squad over the next couple of years.”
Thirty two year old Shaun joined the Ospreys at the inception of regional rugby and has enjoyed 97 appearances to date, kicking a total of 430 points for the region. Shaun Connor said:
"I've had a great five years at the Ospreys. I've enjoyed every minute of it and there's been some real high points, but I'm realistic enough to realise that with James Hook there and young players like Dan Biggar and Gareth Owen coming through, game time for me next season would be limited. I'm at the stage of my career now where I want to be playing regularly and the Dragons have offered me an opportunity to do just that so I'm delighted to be signing for them for the next two years.
"It takes my career full circle, I'm heading back to my Gwent roots as an experienced professional. There's a few familiar faces at the Dragons that I'm looking forward to meeting up with again, and the challenge of helping develop my home region is one that I'm looking forward to."
One familiar face will be Dragons assistant coach, Leigh Jones, who coached Shaun previously at Abertillery and Ebbw Vale. Leigh Jones commented:
“I’ve known Shaun since his early games at Abertillery and at throughout the professional ranks at Ebbw Vale. Shaun has prodigious talent which has been evident for all to see during his time with the Ospreys. His talent combined with experience is what excites me now and this will be valued here at the Dragons.”
He added: “Shaun is also a first rate guy off the field; he is a modest and open-minded individual who is easy to coach and always keen to improve himself and his game. It will be a pleasure to welcome him to Rodney Parade next season.”
