Boss Dean Ryan believes the training camp in Dublin this week has been an ‘invaluable’ exercise as Dragons RFC look to hit the ground running this season.
The Men of Gwent have spent this week together using the facilities at University College Dublin ahead of the pre-season opener with Bristol Bears on Friday night (kick-off 7pm).
With so many new faces in the squad plus the arrival of international quartet Will Rowlands, Taine Basham, Ben Carter and Aki Seiuli this week, Ryan has said spending extended time together has been a vital period.
“We went the away tail-end of last season to South Africa and it brought home how little we've travelled across Covid and how little time we spent together,” he said.
“We were very keen to go on a camp and we've had the opportunity to come to University College Dublin and just spend three or four days together.
“I know we're going home to play on Friday, but the time spent together has been invaluable, especially with some new faces.
“The internationals have just come back this week and have started to integrate, so it's been great to get everybody together in one space and get ready for the season.”
Several summer recruits are set to feature for the very first time at Rodney Parade on Friday evening.
And Ryan has praised the impact they have already made at the club.
“Everybody says they have had a great pre-season, but in terms of integrating people it has been invaluable,” he said.
“They have not disappointed in the contribution they have made on and off the pitch.
“The next step is to see how we support them when they are on the field.
“It's difficult when working with new players to know how to support them until you actually see them play.
“The new signings have been great, and they have been vocal; we wanted to get a bit more ownership in the player group with more experience, miles on the clock and competition for places,” he added.
“That will bring more edge to those that have been here, and I would expect performances to improve because of that.
“There is nothing better than selection pressure and for the first time that is a realistic option in most positions.”
Watch Dragons RFC in the pre-season opener with Bristol Bears at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 7pm).
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The time spent together has been invaluable, especially with some new faces... it's been great to get everybody together in one space and get ready for the season...
