GOMER DAVIES COMMITS FURTHER TWO-YEARS TO THE NEWPORT GWENT DRAGONS
The Newport Gwent Dragons are delighted to confirm that Rhodri Gomer Davies has extended his contract with the region for a further two years, keeping him at the region until the end of the 2010/2011 season.
Rhodri joined the Dragons from Northampton Saints last season on a two-year contract. He enjoyed a successful first season, making 19 appearances for the region across the Celtic league, Anglo-Welsh and European competitions.
The 25-year-old Dragons centre from Carmarthen is thrilled to be back playing his rugby in Wales. He said:
“I’m really pleased that the Dragons have extended my contract for a further two years and have thoroughly enjoyed returning to Wales and playing at Rodney Parade so far.
“The region has impressed me in terms of their direction and ambition for the coming seasons and I’m excited to be a part of the Dragons squad moving in to the new Rodney Parade stadium.”
Rhodri joined the Dragons following a serious groin injury and looks forward to concentrating on improving as a player for the future. He added:
“While I was happy with my rugby last season after a carrying a groin injury I knew that my first season was going to concentrate on regaining my fitness and getting some more rugby under my belt.
“Having achieved this with the region last year I’m ready to step it up another level and really improve on the field. I have full confidence in the coaching team at the region and know that I have to prove myself further to attract the attention of the selectors in Wales.”
Head Coach Paul Turner is also looking for a big season from the Dragons centre to add to his regional and international age grade honours so far. He said:
“Rhodri joined the region from Northampton Saints last season and had a very good first season for the Dragons. He’s equally adept at 12 or 13 and this season will prove a big one for him.
“Rhodri must develop his consistency to catch the eye of the national selectors to build upon his success at international age grade with Wales.”
Rhodri is the latest in a long line of emerging Welsh talent to commit to the region. The Dragons are proud of their commitment to Welsh talent at Rodney Parade. Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins said:
“We are delighted to hold on to key players that have matured with the region and committed to a future here at Rodney Parade. As a region, we’ve always been proud of our commitment to indigenous talent, with both players and management at the region.”
Also this week, the Dragons announced the recruitment of Strength and Conditioning Coach Stephen Richards in an all-Welsh management set up at the region.
Earlier this year, Joe Bearman also added a further two years to his contract which began last season. Joe will be eligible for Wales Team selection for the 2009/10 season.
