After making headlines last year when he swapped the Principality Premiership for English Premiership, Lewis found his starts at The Rec were limited behind Rhys Priestland so jumped at the opportunity to have another crack at pro rugby in Wales.
After starting his rugby career playing for Ebbw Vale, one of the Dragons’ many feeder clubs, Lewis played for the Scarlets between 2013 and 2016 before returning to Ebbw Vale and the move to Bath.
How did the move to Dragons come about?
“It came about around November, start of December. During negotiations with Bath about my contract, my agent called me up and said the Dragons are interested, I should go for a chat. I met Bernard and just loved what he wanted to do with the region and be part of an exciting bunch of boys going forward. I think it’s going to be something special.”
It’s your first crack at the Dragons
“For me, I was in the region in Ebbw Vale, to go away from the region and come back is a bit strange but it’s one of those things that happened. There are a couple of young 10’s coming through, so I’m excited for the challenge ahead.”
What sort of flyhalf do you describe yourself as?
“I love a running game. I think my kicking game is quite good but it’s all about playing what’s in front of you. If it’s on to go, we’ll go. We have to express ourselves to do it but then you’ve got to play to whatever the coaches want you to plat as well, so a bit of both really.”
You are remembered fondly from your time at Ebbw Vale?
“Ebbw’s a great club, a great family club as well and I think if you can involve your family into your rugby, I think it helps us as a player, so we’re not turning up with a bit of an attitude. You can turn up with a smile on your face and get on with it and it’s a massive help.”
What do those spells teach you?
“It’s one of those things, like the old saying, maybe you have to take a step back to go forward and it was a great bunch of boys at Ebbw Vale. Great coaching set up as well. It does help your time going to a place like Cross Keys on a Friday night, playing in terrible conditions, maybe sometimes being on a back foot. It does teach you quite a lot.”
How have you found settling in with the other lads?
“It’s a great bunch of boys here, they’ve welcomed me in. I’m learning quite a lot off each of them. They’ve all got their expertise in different areas so put them all together and I think we’ll have a good season.”
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