Dragons appoint Edwards as Head Coach

Posted on Apr 12, 2011 in Latest Rugby News

Newport Gwent Dragons are have announced that Darren Edwards has been appointed Head Coach of the Dragons and that Robert Beale has been named as Dragons Director of Rugby.

Edwards, who coaches the Welsh Under 20s as well as his role at Rodney Parade joined the Dragons as backs coach in 2009 from and has been Acting Head Coach since February.

“Darren was given an opportunity to prove himself earlier in the season and he has seized it with both hands,” said Dragons Chief Executive Mike Jenkins.

“Although Rob’s role hasn’t changed through this appointment, his responsibilities and the important part he is playing in the long-term development of Dragons rugby has been clarified through this change in title.

“We have a vibrant, talented coaching team here and both Darren and Rob have shown that they have the skill and knowledge to guide our regional setup to the next level.”

Edwards will manage the senior regional side, whilst Beale will be responsible for the long-term development and management of rugby in the Dragons region.

“I’m thrilled to be taking on this role at Rodney Parade,” said Edwards. “We have a strong coaching team here and a quality squad. There are big things to come for us and with the stadium regeneration well underway, it’s a really exciting time to be involved with the Dragons.”

Fussell moves to Ospreys

Posted on Feb 9, 2010 in Rugby News

Richard Fussell has revealed that his ambition to play for Wales was behind his decision to sign a two-year contract with the Ospreys.
The 25-year old Newport Gwent Dragons wing has penned a deal that will see him arrive at the Ospreys in the summer after five years at Rodney Parade, and he says that the motivating factor for his switch to Ospreylia was the region’s track record in developing players for the national set-up.

Fussell commented: ”I’m excited about the prospect of moving to the Ospreys. I’ve made the decision purely on the basis of where I feel I can develop my game best over the next couple of years. I’ve spoken to people about the set-up at the Ospreys and it’s all been very positive. They have excellent facilities and a track record in developing players so I see it as a real opportunity for me to kick on another level in my game. If you look at the number of players that the Ospreys bring through for Wales, then it is clear that they are doing something right and I’m looking forward to being a part of it.

“There are some great coaches at the Ospreys, they have exciting plans for the region and I’m looking forward to working with them. It’s going to be a real challenge for me personally to go into that environment and try and make an impact. I realise that they have real strength in the wing position; In Shane Williams and Tommy Bowe I’d say that they’ve probably got two of the best wingers in the world, and there is also Nikki Walker and some really talented youngsters coming through, so being around players of that quality and working with them day in, day out, and testing myself in training against them can only be a positive thing for me personally. Hopefully, it will allow me to improve my own game to the level where maybe I can get closer to international rugby.

“Clearly, while I’m looking forward to joining up with the Ospreys, there’s a lot of rugby to be played between now and the end of the season. I’ve been at the Dragons for five years, I’ve really enjoyed my time with them and as a professional rugby player my focus between now and then will be 100 per cent on the Dragons and doing my best for them, which is as it should be.”

Leinster squad to face NG Dragons

Posted on Dec 1, 2009 in Rugby News

The Leinster squad to face the Dragons in Sunday’s Magners League clash at Rodney Parade (KO: 5pm) has been named.

The panel features a number of players who have impressed in recent weeks in the British & Irish Cup such as Shaun Berne, Michael Keating, Niall Morris and Dominic Ryan as well as the likes of Bernard Jackman and Malcolm O’Kelly. CJ van der Linde is also included after featuring for the Springboks during the November international series.

In addition, Leinster can call upon the likes of John Fogarty, Fergus McFadden, Mike Ross and Devin Toner who were all involved recently for Ireland ‘A’.

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Glasgow name squad for Dragons HEC showdown

Posted on Oct 13, 2009 in Rugby News

Glasgow Warriors head coach, Sean Lineen, today named a 25-man squad ahead of Friday night’s (16 October) Heineken Cup showdown with Newport Gwent Dragons at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7:30pm).

The squad received two further blows during Saturday afternoon’s narrow loss to Biarritz with centre/wing Rob Dewey suffering a broken ankle and winger DTH van der Merwe breaking a bone in his wrist.

“We’re being tested in terms of the squad but I’ve been impressed by the attitude of the players,” said Lineen.

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