Dean Ryan has praised the enthusiasm and energy that all-action hooker Richard Hibbard still brings to Dragons.
Hibbard, 37, recently signed new terms at the region after an impressive season that has seen him play 19 games for the Men of Gwent.
The front row – now on 57 games for Dragons – will continue to put his body on the line next campaign.
And the Director of Dragons Rugby insists the Neath born ace fully deserves the extension after the manner of his performances this term.
“Just look at his last six or seven weeks where he has been outstanding,” said Ryan.
“The big challenge of a player coming towards the end of their career is maintaining their enthusiasm and energy to keep driving the standards they have done for such a long time.
“Three-year-deals never really help that and we have had pretty open and honest conversations about that.
“I would never be a barrier to what age you are, but I will be a very fast barrier to the levels of performance, enthusiasm and energy you bring.
“I have been transparent with Hibbz across the whole year and I think he has been great for us.
“In times like this year, especially when we haven’t had the services of Elliot (Dee) available to us, to be able to develop Ellis Shipp around him and others has bene a real stabilising factor in the team.
“I believe he can do that for another year for us because his energy has never been absent in any time this year.”
I believe he can do that for another year for us because his energy has never been absent in any time this year...
