Things are looking bright for the rest of the season with some key players returning to action over the coming few weeks. Newport Gwent Dragons Conditioning Coach James Knight updates us on the current injury situation at Rodney Parade us more about fitness and conditioning at the Dragons.
“All of our long-term injured players are now being integrated back into skills sessions, and we’re hoping to have them all back around the end of January.
“Obviously Martyn Thomas has been out for a long time after his lower leg injury in the Cardiff Blues game last season, and he’s also had a hip operation since. As a result of this his rehab was initially pretty chaotic, and although it’s been a tough process he went back into skills sessions last week, so we hope to have him back at the tail-end of January.
“Joe Bearman’s had a groin issue which has kept him out, but he’s also back in skills training after an operation and in preparation for contact sessions. Again, he should be coming back before the end of the month. Mike Poole has also been out with a knee injury; his return should be around the same time.
“Matthew Watkins is also close to a regional return, he’s being integrated back for Newport in the Premiership. He’s a big character who puts the younger players at ease, and his experience, professionalism and work ethic are second to none – hopefully we’ll be seeing him in the Magners League again very soon.
“Each of these players will be integrated back through the Premiership – it’s very important for us as coaches to get some feedback after the games to judge if a player is ready for the Magners League. The games are quicker and harder so we need to know if it’ll be safe to re-introduce them.
“There’s more purpose and direction to the Conditioning Department this year. I focus on long-term injured players and development, whilst Alex Lawson works mostly with the main squad. Fitness-wise we’re working hard to get pockets of fitness training into the team’s skill-based sessions, to try to replicate the same level of intensity as in a match. We’re not the biggest of sides but we can be the strongest, fittest and fastest – that’s the direction we’re trying to head in.
“The injury situation has been very disruptive this season – with core Dragons and Newport players out resources have been drained at times and there’s been a lot of pressure on some individuals to play more regularly than usual! We’re now in a better position this season than last, however, and with key players coming back things are looking bright for the rest of the season. With the postponements over the last month or so our match fitness has dropped a bit, but that sharpness is starting to come back now too.
“Developing younger players is essential to the future success of the Dragons, and guys like Adam Hughes, Pat Leach, Phil Price and Jon Evans have really stepped up to the mark this season – the coaches’ belief in them has really paid off and they’re maturing well into professional players and the professional lifestyle.
“We have a close relationship with the Premiership clubs – we’re looking to produce the best players at all levels through the region. Arguably we’re the most successful region in terms of giving younger players opportunities – it’s important to develop depth in the squad.
“It’s an exciting time to be at Rodney Parade – the redevelopment of the ground will be a big boost, and with players returning to match fitness things are looking good for the rest of this season and beyond!”
