Dragons On Parade This Friday
Newport Gwent Dragons fans will taste the first of Rodney Parade’s rugby this weekend as the new Dragons squad face Middlesex Sevens Plate winners - the Saracens - on Friday 22 August (kick-off 7.30pm).
New Zealanders Tom Willis, James Arlidge and Grant Webb and Aussies Rory Sidey and Marc Stcherbina join the competition for a place in the starting line up alongside Tal Selley and Shaun Connor who were recruited from the neighbouring regions for the new season.
Head Coach Paul Turner looks forward to showcasing the new squad on Parade this weekend. He said: “Friday’s game is the first outing on our home pitch for a lot of the squad and we will be expecting a big test from the Saracens.
“It will be an exciting and interesting night and one that we need to make the most of in the build up to our first Magners League game against Glasgow in September.”
The Dragons enjoyed an intense training week in Belfast before competing against Bedford and in the Middlesex Sevens tournament last weekend. Paul Turner added:
“The squad need to gel together ahead of the season and spent a great week away in Belfast at a superb complex. Last weekend at Bedford and Twickenham was merely a stepping stone that certainly allowed Premiership players like Rob Lewis, Tom Issacs, Tom Riley and Lloyd Burns to enjoy spells on the field and put their hands up for future regional selection.”
New centre Rory Sidey also demonstrated his talent - having been described as a ‘hot property’ Down Under - scoring two tries during his Dragons debut against Bedford.
He is determined to secure his place in the side to face the Saracens and looks forward to a promising performance in front of a home crowd. He said:
“I’m really excited to play my first game at Rodney Parade. I know of the Welsh passion for rugby especially here in Gwent and I’m looking to put in a good performance if selected on the weekend.
“The team has made it really easy for me to settle in immediately. The result last weekend wasn’t great but, for our first hit out, there were definitely good signs of a solid platform that we can work on.”
He added: “I am looking forward to a successful season with the region ahead.”
Tickets are available from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office, via the website www.newportgwentdragons.com and ticketline 01633 674990. Prices as follows:
Terraces and Family Stand Adults £8 NUS & OAP £4 Under 16s £1
Hazell Stand Adults £15 NUS & OAP £10 Under 16s £10
