Newport Gwent Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner announces the squad available for selection against Glasgow Warriors as the region begins their Magners League crusade on Friday evening at Rodney Parade, kick-off 7.05pm.
Paul looks towards a new season with a new Dragons team. He said:
“I’m pretty excited about what lies in store for us as a region. We have recruited well over the summer and I can feel the buzz around the place. I know that the players are keen to get out on the field and make a strong start to the season.
“One thing is for sure, that there is always a sense of high-expectancy around Rodney Parade and for that you cannot fault our loyal supporters.
Tom Willis will captain the side for their first game of the new season and hopes that the challenge will awaken the excitement at Rodney Parade. Tom said:
“The Magners League opener against Glasgow presents our first big chance to make a statement and we’re looking forward to the challenge in front of our home crowd on Friday evening.”
He added: “We’ve been working very hard for the last two months with the physical conditioning and, more recently, retuning our game. I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say that we’re hanging out for a kick off and some action.”
Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins is delighted that the new season is upon us. Looking ahead to Friday evening, he said:
“It will be great to welcome back all our supporters for what promises to be an exciting season. I hope that our robust recruitment, a healthy commercial programme and the projected new stadium will breathe fire into the Dragons performance this season and am looking forward to sharing this with the fans at home on Friday.”
Head Coach Paul Tuner added: “Friday night will be an exciting occasion yet we are no different from other sides and have picked up injuries during the conditioning period and practise games.”
The team to face Glasgow will be selected from:
J Tovey, T Selley, A Smith, R Gomer-Davies, R Sidey, M Stcherbina, G Maule,
R Fussell, S Connor, J Arlidge, W Evans, R Lewis, A Black, H Gustafson, L Harrison,
R Thomas, T Willis, L Burns, A Jones, L Charteris, J Bearman, L Evans, J Ringer,
G Webb, R Parks.