This is his second appearance for the Men of Gwent since recovering from two shoulder operations, which were completed during the summer season. His first appearance saw the 21-year-old come off the bench against Leinster at the RDS Arena. The youngster commented: “I really enjoyed coming off the bench against Leinster. There was no pressure on me and I think that it was nice to just be able to play.”
Looking back on what he has been through with his injury, Dee said: “I think people who know me know how hard it was for me to have two shoulder operations at such a young age, just as things were going well. It was a hard time and it’s been harder than what I thought getting back up to scratch.
“However I think that I am fitter, stronger and faster than I have ever been and I am happy where I am now.”
He added: “I want to show the coaches that I am back to where I was last year. They gave me a lot of opportunities last season and I want to come back and be first choice. I know that Thomas Rhys Thomas is captain this year so its big competition for me, but I just want to play has much as I can play.”
The Dragons take on last years Guinness PRO12 winners Glasgow Warriors, this evening and it is Dee’s first start of the season. He commented: “Its brilliant that I am starting this weekend. I am getting a chance to get that starting spot and I hope to keep it.
“Glasgow are the PRO12 champions from last year – It think that they have a lot of strength in depth and they still play well regardless of having players out due the Rugby World Cup. They play a brand and I think that every player who plays there knows what style of play they play and I think its going to be a close encounter.
“Here at the Dragons we have a close strong bond as a team and we aren’t far away from getting it right but hopefully this weekend we will play a good game of rugby and thing will turn around.”
To see Elliot Dee back in action alongside his fellow teammates buy a Newport Gwent Dragons season ticket by calling 01633 674990 or by emailing ticketing@rodneyparadeltd.com.
