The match, which was a beneficiary match for current Captain Lewis Evans and former player Ashley Smith, was a chance for the Dragons coaching team to see the new players in action as well as see how the pre-season preparations have gone so far.
Following the win against Cardiff Blues, backs coach Shaun Connor commented; “We are not getting carried away with one pre-season win and it’s a building process because we are nowhere near where we want to be, or need to be, for the Ulster game.”
Alongside the win on Friday, Connor was pleased with how the new players looked during the match and in training. “Nick Macleod was excellent on Friday and controlled the game superbly without being spectacular, as befits a player of his experience. He just made good decisions at key times and I can see him being a big help in bringing through our young 10s.
“Sam Beard has been excellent in training for us while Pat Howard is a big, physical ball carrier and adds something different,” he said.
Looking towards the Dragons match against Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday 20th August, KO 3:00pm, Connor added: “There will be quite a few of the boys that played against RGC with some young players getting game time.
“It’s a perfect opportunity to get a look at them, we’ve had a large squad training but now they get a chance to get out there and impress.
“It’s only fair to give the whole squad a chance and the beauty is that the first half hour against the Blues was as good as I’ve seen the Dragons play for a while, so the boys will have to perform well if they are to put their hands up for selection against Exeter and then Ulster.”
Welsh Internationals Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan are also back in training amongst the rest of the squad and Connor is keen to get them back in Dragons colours. He said; “Tyler may be available for Exeter (at Rodney Parade a week on Friday) while Hallam might have another week off after playing the Tests but we hope to have them available for Ulster on opening weekend, if not then definitely Zebre in our first home game.”
Tickets for the Dragons pre-season friendly match against Ealing Trailfinders at the Centre of Sporting Excellence are now available from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office and will be available to buy on the day from reception at the Centre. Season Members go free to the match; you just need to collect a ticket as its an all ticket game. Call 01633 674990 or click here to buy your ticket now.
