The Super Series competition, this year held at Sardis Road, the home of Pontypridd RFC, is seen as a key component in the development of future Wales players.
The day-long festival pits players from the four Welsh regional academies with a contingent of England based Welsh qualified youngsters – the Welsh Exiles – and a side from RGC 1404 in North Wales.
Teams play against each other in a series of short-form games, with a range of adapted rules designed to ensure the game is played at a higher tempo and attacking play is rewarded.
The tournament is the culmination of a week’s training that starts with testing with the WRU and a skills clinic with the WRU and regional coaches at the Sports Dome in Leckwith.
The Dragons team was coached by Matt O’Brien, Sam Hobbs and Lewis Evans with Nigel Way as Team Manager and Lewis Hudd as conditioning coach.
One of the major tournament changes this year was the introduction of no coaching feedback during games or at half-time, to develop player’s ability to lead on the field and problem solve.
Dragons opened the competition with a 7-7 draw with Ospreys – in a game when they had a late try disallowed – before they faced the Welsh Exiles and ran out 10-0 winners.
In the final, Dragons played a strong Scarlets squad but had too much intensity and raced into an unassailable 14-0 lead early on.
With Will Reed showing impeccable kicking skills, Dragons settled into the game before Scarlets hit back with tries either side of half-time.
However, Dragons were not to be denied and pressure told as set piece turnovers resulted in two more tries to seal the win and title.
James Chapron, Academy Manager at Dragons, said: “Whilst the rugby is an essential part of the day, the unique set-up of the tournament allows our coaches and players to develop players between games, whilst also teaching correct recovery methods, nutrition habits and help them understand the behaviours of the professional game.
“Another important factor was our whole squad involvement. We could only have 28 players in the match squad, but had the entire squad turn up and help out - running as ball boys, extra kit men or just general helpers. It was a true one team effort so congratulations to all the players and staff involved.”
