Boss Dean Ryan believes a stable environment to learn and develop has been key to a number of Dragons Academy aces graduating to the top stage this season.
Dragons announced this week that the fab four – Ben Carter, Aneurin Owen, Chris Coleman and Will Reed – had all signed new terms at the region. Read more HERE
Homegrown stars Carter, Owen and Coleman all featured in the last Guinness PRO14 fixture with Leinster – while Reed is away with the Wales Under-20s ahead of the Six Nations.
And reflecting on their progress into the senior ranks from the Dragons Academy, the Director of Dragons Rugby pinpoints creating the right environment has been pivotal.
“Creating stability is the best place for people to develop,” said Ryan.
“Throwing youngsters in when it’s unstable is not allowing them to learn.
“What we have been successful at over the last six months is creating a stable environment where a Ben Carter can come in, play his part and grow.
“Aneurin Owen is doing that at the moment and obviously we have a few others that are in that pipeline.
“We have just got to create that right environment where they can learn and continue to get better.
“I think Ben and Aneurin have been shown the right opportunities and have not been thrown in every week, responsible for everything, and that has been a good combination of getting them up to speed.”
Lock star Carter has already grabbed plenty of headlines this season, playing nine games for the region and twice topping the tackle charts in the Guinness PRO14.
And Ryan believes the Wales Under-20s ace has a bright future ahead of him with his work ethic and constant desire to improve.
“He just has to keep fit, keep working and keep learning,” said Ryan.
“There are not many athletes at that age capable of playing in that front five position and he has been a revelation.
“We always knew Ben had potential, but I didn’t think at this stage he would necessarily be able to operate week-to-week as error free as he has been.
“His capacity to continue to learn is huge. He really is one for the future for the region and everybody is keeping an eye on him.”
Creating stability is the best place for people to develop... Throwing youngsters in when it’s unstable is not allowing them to learn...
