Players and staff supported local charities and causes visiting the Royal Gwent Hospital, Blue Cross Newport Animal Rehoming Centre and St. David’s Hospice. Players also passed on their rugby skills to the Dragons’ Homeless Rugby team and wrapped Christmas presents to raise money for Velindre.
Dragons’ Skipper Lewis Evans headed to the Royal Gwent Hospital along with Leon Brown, Hallam Amos, James Benjamin, Harri Keddie, Rynard Landman, Sarel Pretorius, Brok Harris, Pat Howard and Phil Price. The afternoon saw the players visit young patients, their families and hardworking nursing staff from across the Region. Players also handed out Dragons goodies as well as donated gifts from Dragons Community Partner Wilko’s.
At the Blue Cross Centre members of the squad met volunteers and dogs who have been treated at the rehoming and advice unit and were shown donations that have been sent by members of the public.
Dragons Charity of the year St. David’s Hospice was visited by a number of players including Dragons prop Sam Hobbs. He commented: “We were kindly invited down to have a tour of the facilities and have a chat with the people who work here, see what type of work they do and also have a chat with the patients.
“It was a real humbling experience and quite amazing to come to St David’s, we have had a lovely welcome here.”
Fly-half Nick Macleod added: “The whole squad has been out to various local charities, spreading a little bit of Christmas cheer. We are all really delighted that we are able to give a little bit back to the community we play in.”
At the same time as visits were going on, players wrapped Christmas presents in Cwmbran Shopping Centre in order to raise funds for Velindre. Players also ran a session at Rodney Parade to give the Dragons’ homeless rugby team a few pointers. This included Welsh International Tyler Morgan who donated some of his old Wales kit to inspire them to continue on playing.
To view our Facebook gallery from the events please click here.
Dragons TV followed Sam Hobbs and Nick Macleod as they visited St David’s Hospice along with team mates Nick Crosswell, Charlie Davies and Ed Jackson. Click to play:
