| Commenting on why they are holding these sessions new Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner commented, “We have always intended to visit with the squad around the Region and hold training sessions. We have found suitable venues at which to hold training and we are all looking forward to going out into the Region.”
The Dragons squad will train at these venues and provide the opportunity for youngsters and supporters alike to see how the team kick-start their preparations for the season ahead.
“As a professional rugby team there are naturally constraints on players and demands on their time especially when the season is underway,” continued Paul, “However, pre season provides us with an ideal time to go into the Region and sessions like these give the youngsters of Gwent an insight into the team and how they prepare and train. It is great for them to see and learn from the players. Not only is this an opportunity for the squad to meet the youngsters of our area but also for the youngsters to meet the players of their regional rugby team and the squad is eager to pass on tips to youngsters who are keen to learn from them. This is just the start of what we have planned in our Region. We will be holding a number of these sessions until the end of the school term. In the summer holidays there will be summer camps held at Rodney Parade and around the region, which our players are committed to. We are also in the process of arranging a match against the Premiership All Stars, which again will be held at a venue in our Region.”
“These regional training sessions allow us the chance to go out into the Region and spread the message of the Dragons,” commented scrum half Gareth Baber. “We are a regional side and by doing things like this we are displaying our commitment to the Region but if we are to be successful then we need the people of the Region to get behind us. We have had a positive reaction from the schools who are very keen for us to visit and it is about establishing relationships with the youngsters and schools of the area.”
Echoing Gareth, Paul concluded, “It is fantastic that people travel to watch The Dragons but it is vital that we never forget that it is a two-way relationship. We have to go out and meet the people of the Region and let them know what we are about and sessions like this is about giving something back to the community who support us and also encourage them to take up something positive like rugby.”
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