After celebrating winning the Magners League Coach of the Season award, Paul Turner’s attention has turned to the next step in his side’s pre-season preparations and the big Magners League kick-off.
In a game billed as the Martyn Williams Testimonial, the Newport Gwent Dragons take on a strong Cardiff Blues side at the Cardiff City Stadium this Friday, before beginning their league campaign at Connacht on Saturday, September 4.
Speaking of the award Turner said: “It was a big shock. But it wasn’t for me it was for the whole of the business and coaching staff, people like Rob Beale, it was for them. I’m only heading up the rugby side of things. Obviously it is good to be acknowledged but perhaps it puts a bit more pressure on us to perform this year.”
Looking ahead to the new season and the game against Connacht in Galway, Turner said: “It’s always difficult with three competitions; the league and two cups. You need to have your fair share of luck regarding injuries with all these competitions and that takes bigger, stronger squads. We’ve got a bigger squad and our aim is to make them stronger. But that isn’t going to happen in one season it is something Rob and I are working at.
“Connacht have had a pretty tough pre-season; losing to Harlequins and Saracens. But going to Connacht you have to be prepared for anything. That’s the secret, we’ve never really been able to open the box since winning there a few years ago and since then it’s been a pretty dry glass for us. It’s something we are conscious of and preparing for. But winning there is not the be-all-and-end-all but it would be nice to get off to a winning start. We’ve done it in previous years and I don’t see any reason why we can’t again. We have to do the right things on the day.”
But before the trip to the Emerald Isle the Men of Gwent face the short journey down the M4 to take on their regional neighbours the Cardiff Blues.
Turner said: “Dai Young and I spoke about three weeks ago and we were both moaning about the number of injuries and guys coming back, but then you look at the two squads for Friday and it is pretty strong. We hope to retain the players we have fit and have a few guys coming back. With the physicality and collisions in today’s game you usually pick up a couple of knocks, but I think we are in good shape. I’m pretty happy and it’s been a good summer. But the proof of the pudding is in how you start the season, what sort of mood and attitude you have going into the first game.
“Of course it is Martyn Williams’ testimonial. Martyn has been a consistent performer over the last decade in Welsh rugby and is the sort of player every side needs.
“Pontypridd RFC, the Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions have all benefitted enormously from Martyn’s presence. What separates Martyn from many other players is that he never lets his success faze him and has always remained a top bloke off the field. The Blues showed what a good side they are last year and will be a tough test for us."
