Head Coach Dai Flanagan praised the ‘effort, energy and fight’ of Dragons RFC after they stunned Irish giants Munster in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade.
Rio Dyer’s late solo stunner and 18 points from the boot of former Munsterman JJ Hanrahan secured a first win at Rodney Parade since April, 2021.
The Irish province had won the last eight meetings between the sides, but the Men of Gwent produced a rousing display that had the terraces rocking and won praise from Flanagan.
“I am pretty calm and level-headed but there are a lot of people around me that are a bit more excited,” he smiled.
“The crowd here have been through a lot and I can assure them that the players have felt that pain as well and are working very hard to try and make sure this becomes normal and not a one off.
“There was still a lot of error and, if we are honest with ourselves, we can be much better - that is the exciting thing given the talent and individual players.
“What I am really proud of is the effort, the energy and the fight they showed for each other.”
Dragons had trailed 17-15 at the break and for much of the second half until Dyer tore over with eight minutes to go.
“We have got to make Rodney Parade what it deserves to be, and we found that today,” said Flanagan.
“This shows they care about the place and it’s important that we take steps forward each week now.
“We’ve really got to enjoy this moment. You can feel the hurt and the pain, it’s the same for the fans.
“Enjoy the night and look forward to next week because we have to make sure this isn’t a one-off.”
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The crowd here have been through a lot and I can assure them that the players have felt that pain as well and are working very hard to try and make sure this becomes normal and not a one off...
