ROBIN DAVEY is a regular at Rodney Parade, acting as chief rugby writer for the South Wales Argus over the last 42 years before retiring in December. The Argus praised his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game saying he was irreplaceable and that they were ‘pretty sure we won’t see his like again’ but ... he’s back!
His retirement has allowed him to break free of the journalistic shackles and devote more time to his love for the Dragons!
IT'S in the blood says Tonderai Chavhanga, the Springbok flyer who has shown in his last few games for the Dragons just why he is labelled the fastest wing in world rugby.
He scored a fantastic match winning try against Cardiff Blues which illustrated his great speed and skill to boot and then against Edinburgh at Murrayfield he showed his scorching pace again when twice he outstripped the defence to get on the end of kicks from Steffan Jones and Ashley Smith to register more game turning tries.
"Speed is in my family, especially on my mother's side," said the 28-year-old speedster who has rapidly made himself a favourite with Rodney Parade fans. "My uncle was also a sprinter and ran in the all-Africa Games. He was a gladiator in South Africa as well and I grew up idolising him.
"In primary school and then at Prince Edward School in Harare I did athletics and rugby and ran for Zimbabwe in age group races and broke a few records. But when I went to South Africa which is where I had to go when I decided to play rugby professionally I dropped athletics."
After winning four caps for the Springboks including two Tests against Wales and a demolition job against Uruguay (including a 6 try personal haul) Chavhanga decided to take a completely different career path when he joined the Dragons.
It's an experience he is already enjoying to the full as he settles in and makes a name for himself in Wales as well as South Africa. In fact he had a hunch it would go well for him with the Dragons after doing a bit of homework on them.
"I knew about the Dragons and played against them when they were in Dubai a few years ago. I also played with Percy Montgomery for the Stormers so I had an idea," Tonderai admitted.
"I did a bit of research about the team and the players and how they had some boys playing for Wales with younger players as well who scored heaps of tries.
"That appealed to me and I knew they played an expansive game so my pace would be utilised. Darren Edwards also did a lot through my agent and at 28 I felt I needed a bit of a change too.
"So I had no concerns, apart from the weather! (though that has pleasantly surprised him with the March heatwave). Since I have been here I've had an awesome welcome from my teammates and the fans have been amazing, I've had a lot of support which has made the transition easy.
"The Dragons have got great loyal supporters and the crowd really get into it. When you play you can feel the intensity of their passion."
Chavhanga is happy with the way it's gone for him, though modestly gives the credit to others, and is aiming for a big finish to the season.
"I feel it's gone reasonably well and my teammates have been putting me into space and have given me the opportunities," he said. "It's always nice to get over the try line. The try against the Blues was more about the moment, it was something we made and it was fortunate it was me, it could have been anyone else.
"Now we've got three home games left and an away derby against the Ospreys. We'll be looking to capitalise on our home advantage and no-one needs extra motivation for a derby game.
"We've got to put on a good display for the crowds and stick to the structures. What happens with the Blues above us happens, we've got to make sure our destiny is in our own hands."
Chavhanga has been hugely impressed with Grand Slam winning Wales especially wings George North and Alex Cuthbert who offer a marked contrast in size at least.
"They are amazing players," he said, also expressing his admiration for Dragons teammates Dan Lydiate, Toby Faletau and Luke Charteris in the Welsh set-up.
"Wales have also been immense in defence. No-one gets past Dan with the way he tackles, Toby is explosive with his ball carrying ability and Luke's workload for such a huge man, the way he always makes his tackles, is amazing."
Chavhanga makes no secret of the fact that he would like to remain with the Dragons for another season at least. "I'm really enjoying my time here and I'd definitely like to stay," he said.
"For the last six games or so there has been some intense belief in the team. We can go out there against anyone confident in each other, and you can't ask for anything more than that. It's about the culture that's in the side, and the camaraderie we have goes a long way."
