Director of Dragons Rugby Dean Ryan is pleased with the impact summer signing Will Rowlands has had on the region to start the current league season.
The Men of Gwent recruited the 6”8 lock from Gallagher Premiership outfit Wasps ahead of the 2021/2022 United Rugby Championship campaign.
Rowlands has hit the ground running and has impressed in his two competitive outings for Dragons, earning plaudits from pundits, supporters and the Dragons coaches.
Boss Ryan admits the Welsh international has been a catalyst for his colleagues to perform on the field and despite being a reserved character he leads from the front with his all action displays.
“Will is pretty reserved, he is quite quiet but brings a huge amount of presence through actions,” said Ryan.
“He also has almost a silent presence that brings people together and provides opportunity for others to speak.
“He has been fantastic for us, I knew what I thought we were getting but it's nice to see it in Dragons colours.
“He’s becoming a catalyst for others to work as hard as he does and contribute as much as he does, he has been at the forefront of our game.
“I’ve not seen many athletic players who are that big, Will brings an incredible power and work rate to a huge frame and there aren’t many around capable of combining both.”
Rowlands was one of a number of signings Dragons made ahead of the new league season.
The Rodney Parade outfit welcomed props Aki Seiuli and Mesake Doge among others, as well as sealing the return of scrum half Gonzalo Bertranou to Newport.
Ryan admits recruitment has been a challenge here in Wales but is hoping with signings like Rowlands making such an impact, it will open doors for more players wanting to come to Dragons.
“Recruitment in Wales is a long-term challenge,” he said. “You can add a few people every opportunity you get but you don't get a significant amount of movement between regions or from the exiles programme.
“It has been an incremental build and him coming to us is a fantastic addition that will hopefully move our game on and make us appealing to more people to keep moving the Dragons in the right direction.”
