| Speaking at the season launch for the Gwent-based side Turner said it was a fairly easy decision to reach, “Jason did an admirable job last season and has the respect of the rest of the squad so we are delighted to announce that he will continue as captain this season. He possesses the leadership skills and qualities that the rest of the management squad want to see in a leader. He leads from the front and leads with pride.” The Dragons have announced two players as vice captains and they are Michael Owen and Ceri Sweeney.
The Dragons have quietly gone about their business over pre season and have recruited four players who despite their young age have an abundance of talent and potential in the game. Lock Bryn Griffiths and prop David Maddocks both join from the Scarlets while Scottish International flanker Andrew Hall (who joins from Glasgow) and Leigh Hinton (who joins from Bedford and averages over 360 points a season) have also linked up with The Dragons. All four join an ambitious Dragons squad, which contains 17 internationals including two British and Irish Lions.
The Dragons have landed a new main sponsor in the guise of Flogas who become the main jersey sponsor and the Region have also been boosted by the news that Gerry Jones will become a shirt sponsor for the 2005/06 season.
The Dragons will continue to embrace the whole of the Region and to demonstrate this commitment had adopted the slogan for the season, ‘Men of Gwent’ and will be sporting it on their playing jersey. The Dragons pledge to their Region has been shown over the summer with coaching sessions held at Cwmcarn High School, Bedwas RFC, St Josephs High School and Llantarnam School where they were well received.
After a slow start caused by uncertainty over the Celtic League, season tickets have over the last few days increased especially with the news that a ticket includes entry to the two home Powergen Cup matches. Sunday sees the annual Family Fun Day at Rodney Parade where supporters will be able to claim the early bird discount prices on season tickets. The Fun Day will start at 12noon and there will be a host of activities for all the family with bouncy castles, face painting, a hawk display, cheerleaders, gymnastic display, live bands, a rugby skills session, Tag rugby festival, bucking bronco, bungee run and lots more to keep all the family entertained.
“The challenge is for us to win over supporters in the Region,” continued Paul. “We know it will not be a quick thing but we are committed to the long term. We want the Region to be successful both on and off the field. We have started doing good work in the Region, which will continue throughout the forthcoming season and will build on the foundations laid in pre season. We have a responsibility to the long-term development and growth of rugby in the area which we are committed to. We are making positive moves in embracing the Region shown with the Men of Gwent slogan and is an action to symbolise the drive and determination of The Dragons to be a Regional team. Our aim is for the youngsters of our area to become the Men of Gwent and also to create a much needed identity for the Region. We hope that by taking rugby to the people of Gwent, we will bring people to the rugby of Gwent.”
The Dragons kick off their preparations for the start of the season with three pre season friendly matches, the first of which is on Wednesday August 10th and is a match at Cross Keys against a Gwent Select XV. The Dragons opposition consists of players who play for Premier Division Gwent sides and the team is coached by Steve Law (Bedwas RFC) and Robert Beale (Cross Keys RFC). Last season was the first game between the two sides and proved very entertaining. The game is starting to become something of a tradition as players in the Premier Division look forward to staking their claim for a place in the Regional side. Commenting on the thinking behind playing such a fixture Paul said, “I see this game as part of our Regional development. It is basically a trial match to enable The Dragons coaching staff to see what there is under-pinning the rest of the Region playing wise and to see whether the young up and coming players possess the talent, ambition and desire to play at the next level.”
On August 20th The Dragons travel to Penzance for a match against the Cornish Pirates (formerly Penzance and Newlyn) at Mennaye, kick off 5pm. The following weekend The Dragons entertain Guinness Premiership giants Bath at Rodney Parade on Saturday August 27th kick off 2.30pm. “Bath at Rodney Parade on Bank Holiday weekend will no doubt be the highlight of pre season for many supporters and culminates our preparation for the season ahead. Bath are a very organised side who will provide stern opposition as we go into the competitive stage of the season. There is no doubt we have a difficult opening to the Celtic League competition with three away games and it will test the character of the side. However, there are no easy games in the League home or away and while last season we did not have a good away record, we aim to put that right this season,” concluded Paul.
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