Boss Dean Ryan admits he is looking forward to his first taste of Friday night rugby at Rodney Parade – as Dragons prepare for a first hit out on home soil in the Guinness PRO14 this season.
After away dates in Munster and Zebre, Dragons are back in Newport for a clash with Connacht Rugby on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
And Ryan is ready to sample the big match atmosphere on home soil as he looks for his team to put on a show in front of the home faithful.
“I’ve heard good things about what Friday night crowds are like at home,” said Ryan. “I’m excited about being back home.”
“It’s a dual relationship and we’ve got a responsibility to show them (our supporters) what we are trying to do,” he added.
“We’ve got a responsibility to throw everything we have got when we are at home and I hope they enjoy coming to watch us. From there is just becomes contagious.
“We’ll go out there, we will give it a good go and we hope people enjoy it.”
Ryan admits the conditions will play a big role on Friday night and his Dragons must be ready to adapt if wet weather arrives.
“I think the weather will dictate what sort of game we get,” he said.
“There is a good chance we might get some rain, so we have got to be a bit more robust, we learnt that out in Munster, and stay in the contest in some areas that we are not necessarily keen on.
“We have got to make it more difficult for sides. I thought we saw that in Zebre, but it was dry and it was sunny so it gave us our running game.
“We have probably got to be a little bit more robust in contesting for ball in certain areas.”
Watch Dean Ryan’s Dragons in action this Friday evening against Connacht Rugby at Rodney Parade.
Tickets remain on sale NOW – Click HERE to buy online and join us at the home of the Dragons for the first home league game. Tickets will also be on sale on the night!
I’ve heard good things about what Friday night crowds are like at home... I’m excited about being back home..."
