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Dragons
File:Dragons (rugby union) logo.svg
Founded2003
LocationNewport, Wales
Ground(s)Rodney Parade (Capacity: 8,700)
ChairmanDavid Buttress
Coach(es)Bernard Jackman
Captain(s)Cory Hill
Most capsLewis Evans (211)
Top scorerJason Tovey (384)
Most triesAled Brew (43)
League(s)Pro14
2017-186th(Conference B)
Team kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.dragonsrugby.wales

Dragons (Welsh: Dreigiau) are one of the four professional rugby union regional teams in Wales. They are owned by the Welsh Rugby Union and play their home games at Rodney Parade, Newport and at other grounds around the region. They play in the Pro14 league, the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the European Rugby Champions Cup/European Rugby Challenge Cup. The region they represent covers an area of southeast Wales including Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen with a total population approaching 600,000 and they are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including Welsh Premier Division sides Bedwas RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC and Newport RFC.[1]

Formed in 2003 as a result of the introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales, the team started life with a third-place finish in the 2003–04 Celtic League, and finished fourth the next season; however, the team finished in the bottom three in each of the next four seasons. In 2007, they reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, losing to French side ASM Clermont Auvergne 46–29. In 2011, they reached the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, losing to Gloucester. They are yet to make the knock-out stage of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

History

Formation

The regional team were formed on 1 April 2003, following an agreement between Ebbw Vale RFC and Newport RFC to form one of five regional rugby entities.[2] Fundamental disagreements between the clubs[3] saw a period of arbitration, led by the then Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett, which recommended the name "Gwent Dragons". On 28 July the side was launched under that name.[4] This prompted Newport RFC benefactor Tony Brown of Bisley, Surrey to withdraw his financial support for the region. However, by 21 August Brown returned after Ebbw Vale chairman Marcus Russell resigned and the side's name was changed to "Newport and Gwent Dragons".[5] With the Welsh Rugby Union demanding an explanation for the changes, and acrimony between the two clubs[6] another agreement was struck:[7] the side officially became ‘Newport Gwent Dragons’. On 12 November 2003, the region's founding company Gwent Rugby Ltd entered into administration.[8] On 27 November a new company, Dragons Rugby Ltd., was established to run the region, with Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union each holding a 50% stake.[9]

2003–2005: Infancy

This is the logo used by the regional team between 2003 and 2017.

Under Mike Ruddock and his assistant Clive Griffiths Newport Gwent Dragons, with a squad largely drawn from the Newport RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC sides of the preceding year, beat their limited pre-season expectations. Despite starting their life in top-class rugby with a 35–11 defeat away to Llanelli Scarlets, it was the region's most successful season so far. A 29–19 win over the Ospreys was to prove more telling; captained by Andy Marinos the side remained unbeaten at home in the Celtic League and eliminated Stade Français[10] in the Heineken Cup. Going into the final round with an outside chance of taking the title, the Dragons finished third in the Celtic League[11] WRU bosses were impressed enough to appoint Ruddock to the vacant Welsh coaching job in summer 2004.[12] Ruddock rewarded two of his former Dragons players, Hal Luscombe and Jason Forster, with their first test caps on Wales' summer tour of Argentina. Percy Montgomery also impressed Springbok selectors enough to remind them of his international credentials, and earn a Tri Nations recall.

The following off season saw a marked change in direction. Gareth Cooper, Kevin Morgan and Ceri Sweeney were amongst a handful of players who joined the region when the Celtic Warriors were disbanded. Having originally agreed to replace Mike Ruddock as head coach, Declan Kidney decided instead to seek employment back home with Leinster. It was not until 27 July 2004 that former Australian Rugby League coach Chris Anderson was appointed, with Leigh Jones as his assistant. Another credible Celtic League campaign followed, finishing fourth,[11] the second highest Welsh region. The side's Heineken Cup could be viewed as a wasted opportunity: the team beat French side Perpignan 27–14 at home, but were then beaten home and away by Newcastle Falcons to put paid to any quarter-final ambitions. Chris Anderson's contract was not extended beyond its initial one-year duration.[13]

2005–2011 Paul Turner era

The region looked to Harlequins backs coach Paul Turner, a Welshman, as their new head coach.[14] Turner would also have to contend with Percy Montgomery returning to South Africa [15] and Newport RFC stalwart Rod Snow retiring.[16] Munster and Sale Sharks proved too strong in the 2005–06 Heineken Cup. After finishing 8th in the Celtic League, a 24–15 defeat[17] Overmach Parma in a play-off for a place in the following seasons Heineken cup proved a new low for the region. Anglo-Welsh Cup wins over Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints were the highlights of a tough season. Turner remained, but Wales international Hal Luscombe opted for a move away from the region, joining English Premiership side Harlequins.[18]

Former Wales captain Colin Charvis joined ahead of the 2006–07 season with the Dragons progressed into a European Challenge Cup semi-final, where they lost comfortably to ASM Clermont Auvergne. Domestically though, the region's European exploits appeared to take their toll, finishing ninth in the Celtic League. Significantly the region avoided the prospect of a second season away from the Heineken Cup, defeating another Italian side Calvisano 22–15.[19] The match also marked the end for departing Wales internationals Ian Gough and Gareth Cooper at Rodney Parade.

2007–08 proved to be another difficult season for the region. Signings such as scrum-half Andy Williams and flanker Richard Parks were not able to help reverse the side's fortunes. The Dragons 2007–08 Heineken Cup campaign only saw one win against Italian side Treviso and exiting the Anglo-Welsh Cup in the pool stages for a third year running. Between completing a double over Llanelli Scarlets on 1 January[20] to defeating the Ospreys on 6 May,[21] the Dragons failed to win a Celtic League game. Despite finishing as the lowest-placed Welsh side in the league[22] the region qualified for next season's Heineken Cup, without having to play off against Italian opposition due to a failure by the Italian League to finish before a specified date.[23]

The summer of 2008 marked a change in the Dragons recruitment policy to a more antipodean focus.[24] Several new signings included New Zealander Tom Willis who was also appointed captain.[25] The 2008–09 Heineken Cup saw visible signs of encouragement for the region. An opening round defeat of Glasgow at Rodney Parade and two respectable defeats to French giants Toulouse, sandwiched between narrow losses against Bath offered hope of arresting decline at Rodney Parade. Domestically in the Celtic League it was a case of same old as consecutive defeats in rearranged matches away at Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys ended any hopes of avoiding finishing as the lowest placed Welsh region and another Heineken Cup play off against Italian opposition. In record appearance holder Adam Black's final game for the side, the Dragons ran out comfortable winners away to Calvisano[26] to secure their place in European rugby's premier tournament for a third season running.

The 2009–10 season brought about significant improvements in results, with the Dragons remaining unbeaten at Rodney Parade in the Celtic League until their final home match, a 20–14 loss to Cardiff Blues.[27] Defeat also brought about the end of the Dragons bid to qualify for the inaugural Celtic League play offs. An improved seventh-place finish did, however, mean automatic qualification for the Heineken cup as the third highest finishing Welsh region. Despite coming close to defeating Gloucester away at Kingsholm and a win at home against Glasgow, back to back losses at Biarritz put pay to the Dragons chances of progressing past the group stages of the Heineken Cup for the first time.

2011 Onwards

Turner stepped down as Head Coach in February 2011 with Darren Edwards taking over in a caretaker capacity.[28] In March 2011 Edwards led the Dragons to their first Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final, where they lost to Gloucester. In April 2011 Edwards was appointed Head Coach on a full-time basis. Lyn Jones was appointed to the role of Director of Rugby in 2013 taking over a lot of on field responsibilities.[29] He brought with him then Russia Head Coach Kingsley Jones who worked with him as a consultant at London Welsh.[30] Edwards left the Dragons in February 2014[31] while in June Kingsley Jones was promoted to the role of head coach.[32]

In March 2017, following a vote of Newport RFC Shareholders, the Welsh Rugby Union agreed to take over the Newport Gwent Dragons in its entirety as part of a deal that also saw the WRU take ownership of the Rodney Parade ground.[33]

On 20 June 2017 it was announced that following the takeover of the region by the WRU, the region would be dropping "Newport" and "Gwent" from its name with immediate effect, becoming known simply as "Dragons".[34]

Controversy

The naming of the region's team caused considerable turbulence.[35] Newport Gwent Dragons were a new side created out of the restructuring of Welsh rugby, and represent their designated region, like the Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets and the Ospreys. Some in the Welsh rugby world, such as Bobby Windsor, believed that including the name Newport would alienate some fans in the surrounding valleys.[36] Many supporters in the wider Newport area favoured greater identification with the City of Newport and a continuation of the historic traditions of Newport RFC.[37] Several names were suggested but all were rejected by the WRU. In the end, the WRU decided the region would be called the Gwent Dragons. However, initial response to the new region was mixed, with many fans unsure whether to buy a season ticket for the new side or to stick to their local clubs.[38] The company set up to run the side entered administration before a game had been played, and as a compromise the word "Newport" was added to the team name in a double-sized font, whilst "Gwent" was reduced. This addition and choice of kit added a greater Newport emphasis to the region and polarised the regions' fan base: some supporters of Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Cross Keys and Newbridge turned their backs on the regional side, claiming that Gwent was no longer being equally represented.[39] This debate continued, with the Dragons being accused of favouritism towards their Newport feeder club rather than the other feeder clubs.[40]

The Newport Action Group, among others, claimed the side has lost more supporters by including the name "Gwent" in its title. The crowds supporting Newport Gwent Dragons averaged 5,154 for the 2005–06 season,[41] whereas in the 2002-03 season, Newport RFC was Wales' best supported club and British rugby's fourth best with an average attendance of 8,302 – behind English Premiership clubs Leicester, Gloucester and Northampton.[42] Although controversy surrounding the naming of the region might be considered petty, rugby in South Wales is deeply divided among hundreds of historic rugby clubs with bitter rivalries. In the 2006–07 season, attendance averaged 5,629 at Rodney Parade.

Kit

The kit is supplied by Gilbert. On the front of the shirt, BT Sport is at the centre with Bisley at the top. Building Management Solutions with its website bmssw.com and Taymore appear on their left sleeve while Rugby Heaven with its website below www.rugby-heaven.co.uk appear on the right sleeve while Robert Price appear on the left and right of their front collar. On the back of the shirt, Worthington's and Shadow Scaffolding are at the top while Clarity Copiers is on the bottom. Hicks transport appear on the left of their back shorts while Gap personnel appear on the right of their back shorts.

Home ground

The region's ground is the 8,700 capacity Rodney Parade ground in Newport. An agreement is in place between owners Rodney Parade Limited and the region for all regular season games to be played there.[43] The side also played some pre-season games at Pontypool Park[44] and Pandy Park, Cross Keys RFC[45] but these venues have not been used since a game against a Gwent Premiership XV before the 2006–07 season. In preparation for the 2014–15 season the Newport Gwent Dragons agreed a partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council for the team and coaching staff to use the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence as the new training base for the 1st team and all other age grade structures within the region.[46]

Current Pro14 Table

2017–18 Pro14 tables view · watch · edit · discuss
Conference A
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Scotland Glasgow Warriors (SF) 21 15 1 5 614 366 +248 81 38 12 2 76
2 Ireland Munster (SF) 21 13 1 7 568 361 +207 78 42 10 5 69
3 South Africa Cheetahs (QF) 21 12 0 9 609 554 +55 75 68 10 5 63
4 Wales Cardiff Blues 21 11 0 10 502 482 +20 56 59 5 5 54
5 Wales Ospreys 21 9 0 12 390 487 −97 44 60 5 3 44
6 Ireland Connacht 21 7 0 14 445 477 −32 53 54 5 6 39
7 Italy Zebre 21 7 0 14 408 593 –185 50 78 4 4 36
Conference B
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TBP LBP PTS
1 Ireland Leinster (CH) 21 14 1 6 601 374 +227 83 46 10 2 70
2 Wales Scarlets (RU) 21 14 1 6 528 365 +163 69 43 9 3 70
3 Scotland Edinburgh (QF) 21 15 0 6 494 375 +119 62 44 7 1 68
4 Ireland Ulster (PO) 21 12 2 7 538 482 +56 68 61 8 2 62
5 Italy Benetton 21 11 0 10 415 451 −36 51 55 6 5 55
6 Wales Dragons 21 2 2 17 378 672 −294 43 94 4 4 20
7 South Africa Southern Kings 21 1 0 20 378 829 −451 48 119 4 3 11
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order -[47]
  1. number of matches won
  2. the difference between points for and points against
  3. the number of tries scored
  4. the most points scored
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against
  6. the fewest red cards received
  7. the fewest yellow cards received

Green background indicates teams that competed in the Pro14 play-offs, and also earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup
(excluding South African teams who are ineligible)
Blue background indicates teams outside the play-off places that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Champions Cup, including the winner of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference
Yellow background indicates the loser of the play-off between the two fourth-ranked European teams in each conference, that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
Plain background indicates teams that earned a place in the 2018–19 European Rugby Challenge Cup.
(CH) Champions. (RU) Runners-up. (SF) Losing semi-finalists. (QF) Losing quarter-finalists. (PO) Champions Cup play-off winners.

Current squad

For player movements before or during the 2018–19 season, see List of 2018–19 Pro14 transfers § Dragons.

The Dragons squad for 2018–19 is:[48]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
Elliot Dee Hooker Wales Wales
Gerard Ellis Hooker Wales Wales
Richard Hibbard Hooker Wales Wales
Rhys Lawrence Hooker Wales Wales
Ryan Bevington Prop Wales Wales
Leon Brown Prop Wales Wales
Lloyd Fairbrother* Prop England England
Brok Harris* Prop South Africa South Africa
Aaron Jarvis Prop Wales Wales
Dan Suter Prop Wales Wales
Joe Davies Lock Wales Wales
Cory Hill Lock Wales Wales
Rynard Landman* Lock South Africa South Africa
Brandon Nansen Lock Samoa Samoa
Matthew Screech Lock Wales Wales
James Benjamin Back row Wales Wales
Nic Cudd Back row Wales Wales
Lewis Evans Back row Wales Wales
Ollie Griffiths Back row Wales Wales
Harrison Keddie Back row Wales Wales
Ross Moriarty Back row Wales Wales
James Sheekey Back row Wales Wales
Huw Taylor* Back row England England
James Thomas Back row Wales Wales
Aaron Wainwright Back row Wales Wales
Player Position Union
Rhodri Davies Scrum-half Wales Wales
Tavis Knoyle Scrum-half Wales Wales
Rhodri Williams Scrum-half Wales Wales
Jacob Botica* Fly-half New Zealand New Zealand
Gavin Henson Fly-half Wales Wales
Josh Lewis Fly-half Wales Wales
Arwel Robson Fly-half Wales Wales
Jack Dixon Centre Wales Wales
Tiaan Loots* Centre South Africa South Africa
Tyler Morgan Centre Wales Wales
Jarryd Sage* Centre South Africa South Africa
Adam Warren Centre Wales Wales
George Gasson Wing Wales Wales
Ashton Hewitt Wing Wales Wales
Dafydd Howells Wing Wales Wales
Jared Rosser Wing Wales Wales
Hallam Amos ‡ Fullback Wales Wales
Jordan Williams Fullback Wales Wales
  • ‡ Denotes a player on a WRU 'National Dual Contract'.
  • * Denotes a player who is Welsh qualified.
  • Notes:

U23 Squad

The U23 Squad for 2018-19 is:[49]

Note: Flags indicate national union under World Rugby eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-World Rugby nationality.

Player Position Union
William Griffiths Hooker Wales Wales
Zac Hewlett Hooker Wales Wales
Christian Coleman Prop Wales Wales
Scott Evans Prop Wales Wales
Taylor Hansen Prop Wales Wales
Josh Reynolds* Prop Australia Australia
Luke Yendle Prop Wales Wales
Ed Scragg Lock Wales Wales
Max Williams Lock Wales Wales
Taine Basham Back row Wales Wales
Robert Brookson Back row Wales Wales
Benjamin Fry Back row Wales Wales
Lennon Greggains Back row Wales Wales
Garin Price Back row Wales Wales
Player Position Union
Dan Babos Scrum-half Wales Wales
Dafydd Buckland Scrum-half Wales Wales
Llew Smith Scrum-half Wales Wales
Will Kelly* Fly-half Canada Canada
Connor Edwards Centre Wales Wales
Tom Hoppe Centre Wales Wales
Evan Lloyd Centre Wales Wales
Aneurin Owen Centre Wales Wales
Duan Thomas Centre Wales Wales
Alexi Webb Centre Wales Wales
Calvin Wellington Centre Wales Wales
Rio Dyer Wing Wales Wales
Joe Goodchild Wing Wales Wales
David Richards Wing Wales Wales
Carwyn Penny Fullback Wales Wales
Deon Smith Fullback Wales Wales
Will Talbot-Davies Fullback Wales Wales

Notable players

See also: Category:Dragons (rugby union) players

Michael Owen captained Wales in 2005–06 and he led Wales to their first Grand Slam for 27-years in the 2005 Six Nations Championship.

Lewis Evans has made over 200 appearances for the Dragons. Adam Black, Jamie Ringer, Peter Sidoli, Gareth Wyatt, Steve Jones, Luke Charteris, Wayne Evans, Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Adam Jones, Hugh Gustafson, Jason Tovey, Robert Sidoli, Phil Price, Adam Hughes, Nic Cudd, Rynard Landman and Matthew Screech have made over one hundred Dragons appearances. Prop Adam Black became the first centurion in Dragons colours during the 2006–07 season.

Several former players have been capped by the Wales national rugby union team while with the region; props Chris Anthony and Rhys M. Thomas, hookers Steve Jones and Lloyd Burns, second rows Ian Gough, Luke Charteris and Andrew Coombs, flankers Jason Forster, Richard Parks, Jamie Ringer, Gavin Thomas and Dan Lydiate, number eight Michael Owen, Rhys Oakley and Taulupe Faletau, scrum halves Gareth Cooper and Andy Williams, outside half Ceri Sweeney, centre Andy Marinos, wingers Gareth Wyatt, Hal Luscombe, Aled Brew, Will Harries, Tom Prydie and fullback Kevin Morgan. Percy Montgomery, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Rod Snow, Mike Hercus, Mike Petri and James Arlidge played internationally for their respective countries whilst with the region.

Of the current players Hallam Amos, Tyler Morgan, Cory Hill, Ollie Griffiths, Leon Brown, Elliot Dee and Aaron Wainwright have featured in Wales test matches whilst with the region. Tavis Knoyle, Gavin Henson, Adam Warren, Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington, Aaron Jarvis, Ross Moriarty, Rhodri Williams and Dafydd Howells attained Wales international caps before joining the Dragons, as did Zane Kirchner for South Africa and Brandon Nansen for Samoa.

British and Irish Lions

The following players have been selected to play for the British and Irish Lions touring squads while playing for the Dragons.

Player Home Union Tours
Michael Owen Wales Wales 2005 New Zealand
Gareth Cooper Wales Wales 2005 New Zealand
Dan Lydiate Wales Wales 2013 Australia
Taulupe Faletau Wales Wales 2013 Australia
Cory Hill Wales Wales 2017 New Zealand

Head Coach

Name Nationality Years
Mike Ruddock Wales 2003–2004
Declan Kidney Ireland 2004
Chris Anderson Australia 2004–2005
Paul Turner Wales 2005–2011
Darren Edwards Wales 2011–2014
Lyn Jones Wales 2014
Kingsley Jones Wales 2014-2017
Bernard Jackman Ireland 2017-

Results and statistics

Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14

Season Played Win Draw Loss BP Points Position
2003–04 22 16 0 6 8 72 3rd
2004–05 20 11 0 9 6 50 4th
2005–06 22 7 0 13 9 45 8th[n 1]
2006–07 20 8 0 12 7 39 9th
2007–08 18 7 1 10 4 34 8th
2008–09 18 7 0 11 5 33 9th
2009–10 18 8 1 9 5 39 7th
2010–11 22 10 1 11 7 49 7th
2011–12 22 7 1 14 6 36 9th
2012–13 22 6 0 16 4 28 11th
2013–14 22 7 1 14 5 35 9th
2014–15 22 8 0 14 10 42 9th
2015-16 22 4 0 18 10 26 10th
2016-17 22 4 0 18 7 23 11th
2017-18 21 2 2 17 8 20 6th (Conference B)[n 2]
  1. ^ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded four points instead. Therefore, each team finished the season with eight more points than the table would seem to warrant.
  2. ^ The competition was split into two conferences of 7 teams each following the increase from 12 to 14 teams.

Celtic Cup

Season Round Match
2003–04 First round Llanelli Scarlets 40 – 6 Newport Gwent Dragons
2004–05 Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 19 – 46 Llanelli Scarlets

Heineken Cup / European Rugby Champions Cup

Year Pool Pos Played Won Drawn Loss Bonus Pts
2003–04 1 4th 6 2 0 4 1 9
2004–05 5 3rd 6 3 0 3 3 15
2005–06 1 3rd 6 1 0 5 2 6
2007–08 1 3rd 6 1 0 5 4 8
2008–09 5 4th 6 1 0 5 3 7
2009–10 2 4th 6 1 0 5 2 6
2010–11 6 4th 6 0 0 6 2 2

European Challenge Cup / European Rugby Challenge Cup

Year Pool Pos Played Won Drawn Loss Bonus Pts
2006–07 1 1st 6 5 0 1 5 25
Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 39 – 17 Brive
Semi-final Clermont Auvergne 46 – 29 Newport Gwent Dragons
2011–12 4 3rd 6 3 0 3 3 15
2012–13 3 3rd 6 2 0 4 5 13
2013–14 2 2nd 6 3 0 3 2 14
2014–15 3 1st 6 5 0 1 5 25
Quarter-final Newport Gwent Dragons 25–21 Cardiff Blues
Semi-final Edinburgh 45–16 Newport Gwent Dragons
2015-16 2 2nd 6 4 0 2 4 20
Quarter-final Gloucester 21-23 Newport Gwent Dragons
Semi-final Montpellier 22-12 Newport Gwent Dragons
2016-17 3 2nd 6 3 0 3 2 14
2017-18 1 2nd 6 3 0 3 4 16

Anglo-Welsh Cup

Season Pool Pos Played Won Drawn Loss BP Points
2005–06 D 3rd 3 2 0 1 0 8
2006–07 D 3rd 3 1 0 2 0 4
2007–08 A 4th 3 0 1 2 3 5
2008–09 A 3rd 3 1 0 2 1 5
2009–10 4 2nd 4 3 0 1 0 12
2010–11 2 1st 4 3 0 1 0 12
Semi-final Gloucester 45–17 Newport Gwent Dragons
2011–12 4 4th 4 1 1 2 1 7
2012–13 1 3rd 4 2 0 2 0 8
2013–14 1 4th 4 1 0 3 0 4
2014–15 1 3rd 4 2 0 2 3 11
2016-17 1 3rd 4 1 0 3 1 5
2017-18 1 4th 4 2 0 2 1 9

References

  1. ^ Newport Gwent Dragons: Club Directory
  2. ^ Archer, Graeme. "Sport". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  3. ^ South Wales Argus – It's all out war!
  4. ^ South Wales Argus – Support the Dragons!
  5. ^ South Wales Argus – Brown's Back – And It's Now Newport And Gwent Dragons
  6. ^ South Wales Argus – It's off!
  7. ^ South Wales Argus – Can we get on with the rugby now?
  8. ^ "Dragons enter administration". BBC News. 12 November 2003. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  9. ^ South Wales Argus
  10. ^ European Rugby Cup : Stade Burned By Dragons
  11. ^ a b Magners League Official Website : Stat Attack – League table
  12. ^ WRU: Wales Coach Archive: Mike Ruddock: 2004 – 2006
  13. ^ South Wales Argus – Time for six sense – Jones
  14. ^ South Wales Argus – IT'S TURNER
  15. ^ "Montgomery quits Wales for Sharks". BBC News. 7 April 2005. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  16. ^ "Snow to retire at end of season". BBC News. 16 March 2005. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  17. ^ "Dragons 15–24 Overmach Parma". BBC News. 2 June 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  18. ^ "Luscombe leaves Dragons for Quins". BBC News. 1 April 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  19. ^ "Dragons 22–15 Calvisano". BBC News. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  20. ^ "Dragons 15–13 Scarlets". BBC News. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  21. ^ "Dragons 18–10 Ospreys". BBC News. 6 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  22. ^ "Magners League table". BBC News. 9 August 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
  23. ^ http://www.ercrugby.com/eng/5019_10266.php
  24. ^ "Kiwi arrival no issue for Gatland". BBC News. 23 July 2008.
  25. ^ "Kiwi Willis made Dragons captain". BBC News. 5 August 2008.
  26. ^ Roberts, Gareth (29 May 2009). "Calvisano 17–42 NG Dragons". BBC News.
  27. ^ http://www.magnersleague.com/matchcentre/5129.php
  28. ^ Turner leaves Newport Gwent Dragons
  29. ^ Pro12: Ex-Ospreys boss Lyn Jones takes over at Dragons
  30. ^ Kingsley Jones Joins London Welsh
  31. ^ Edwards leaves Dragons
  32. ^ Kingsley Jones Head Coach at Dragons
  33. ^ WRU buy Rodney Parade.
  34. ^ https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/40346798
  35. ^ South Wales Argus – Brown: I want nothing to do with `region'
  36. ^ Windsor mourns fall of Pooler – Wales Online 5 July 2006
  37. ^ South Wales Argus – Brown's Back – And now it's Newport and Gwent Dragons Thursday 21 August 2003
  38. ^ South Wales Argus – Dragons hunt 'missing' fans
  39. ^ Webb, Nick (17 May 2009). "Dragons back Newport in new cup". BBC News.
  40. ^ Newport RFC feeder
  41. ^ Magners League Official Website : Fixtures and Results Home Page Archived 26 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  42. ^ Davies, Phil (Autumn 2002). "Rugby in the community" (PDF). Welsh Economic Review. 14 (2). Welsh Economy Research Unit: 13–14. ISSN 0965-2450. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 May 2003.
  43. ^ South Wales Argus – Gwent Dragons ready to roar at Rodney Parade
  44. ^ Newport Gwent Dragons 7 – 31 Leeds Carnegie, 22/08/2003. Match Details Archived 18 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  45. ^ Newport Gwent Dragons 14 – 24 Gwent Premiership XV, 13/08/2004. Match Details Archived 17 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
  46. ^ http://www.newportgwentdragons.com/News/Article/34490
  47. ^ Competition Rule 3.5 "Summary of Key Rules". Pro14. Retrieved 13 November 2013.
  48. ^ "Dragons Squad". Dragons Rugby. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
  49. ^ "Transition Academy Squad". Dragons Rugby. Retrieved 12 July 2019.
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