Newport Gwent Dragons held a press conference earlier today (Tuesday)where they unveiled their new players to the media and also the new home and away shirt.
Pre season has begun in earnest for the Men of Gwent with fitness and conditioning coach Paul Bunce putting the squad through a rigorous examination. For the third season in a row continuity remains behind the scenes with the set up unchanged. Paul Turner continues at the coaching helm with Leigh Jones and Dai Rees assistant coaches. Jim McCreedy oversees all rugby matters while Gethin Jenkins is responsible for the operational side.
New Signings
A total of nine players have joined the region for the start of the season while seven academy members who impressed last season have progressed from the academy to the senior squad.
Richard Parks (back row) - joins from Perpignan.
Andy Williams (scrum half) - joins from Guinness Premiership side Bath
Richard Mustoe (wing) - on loan for a season from the Ospreys
Adam Jones (lock) - joins from the Scarlets
Rhodri Gomer Davies (centre) - joins from Northampton Saints
Gareth McCarthy (fly half) - joins from Glamorgan Wanderers
Wayne Evans (scrum half) - joins from Cardiff Blues
Hugh Gustafson (prop) - joins from the Scarlets
Alistair Lyon (prop) - joins from French side Racing Club Chalonais
Academy members who have joined the senior squad - Phil Dollman, Ashley Smith, Gareth Maule, Richard Wilkes, Jamie Corsi, Lewis Evans, James Harris and The Dragons are hopeful that the academy will continue to produce players for the senior squad.
Sponsorship
There has been good news on the sponsorship front for the region with the two main sponsors Finning UK Ltd and Celtic Energy extending their deals. Finning remains on the front of the shirt while Celtic Energy also move to the front.
Sponsorship and hospitality is also up with nearly all perimeter boards and boxes sold for the season ahead.
7s Tournament
The Dragons have launched an exciting new initiative with a Men of Gwent 7s tournament being held on August 12th with clubs from around the region competing for the title of Uskmouth Power Men of Gwent 7s Champions. The event is sponsored by Uskmouth Power and thanks to their involvement kids will now be able to watch the tournament free of charge. As well as the 7s competition there will also be a host of activities for the whole family to enjoy with bouncy castles, face painting and much more.
Season Tickets
Season tickets continue to sell well with sales up 10% on last season reflecting in the positive feeling that the side generated last year when they reached the semi finals of the European Challenge Shield and went on a 10 match home unbeaten run. A number of tickets have been sold to new supporters which is a big boost to the region. A season ticket guarantees a supporter entry to the 10 Magners League fixtures, three Heineken Cup games as well as the two EDF Energy Cup games which sees The Dragons take on current Heineken Cup champions Wasps as well as Gloucester. On August 12th supporters who have not yet purchased a season ticket will be able to take advantage of the early bird prices which will operate for this day only.
Pre Season Games
The Dragons kick off their preparations for the start of the season on Tuesday 14th August when they play Launceston. The squad then travel to Cornwall for a training camp which will culminate with a game against the Cornish Pirates on Saturday 18th August. On Friday 24th August, The Dragons will play Bedford at Rodney Parade kick off 7.30pm
Important Dates
Sunday August 12th - Uskmouth Power Men of Gwent 7s - Rodney Parade, 12 noon
Tuesday 14th August - Launceston v Dragons
Saturday 18th August - Cornish Pirates v Dragons
Friday 24th August - Dragons v Bedford
