The Dragons’ Summer Tour saw players, coaches and staff attend a range of events throughout the day. The Dragons had also been involved in planning, promoting and supporting each of the events.
Newport Gwent Dragons CEO Stuart Davies said: “We are always looking to engage with rugby supporters from across our region, and we put together the Dragons’ Summer Tour event so that our players and staff could make a positive contribution to our local clubs”.
Events were held at Ebbw Vale RFC, Caerphilly RFC, Hafodyrynys Rams and Penallta RFC.
“The nature and scale of the events that clubs organised demonstrated the passion and commitment that people across the region have for rugby. We received a fantastic welcome wherever we went, and we extend our thanks to all of the clubs for their significant efforts in delivering their events” Davies continued.
The Dragons’ Summer Tour was sponsored by Worthington’s, Official Ale of the Dragons. Worthington’s is produced by Newport Gwent Dragons brewery partner Molson Coors and has a long history of supporting rugby in Wales from grass-roots to the professional game.
Ebbw Vale RFC hosted a ‘Feel the Steel’ Open Day Eugene Cross Park. Dragons players Dorian Jones, Geraint Rhys-Jones, Carl Meyer, Lloyd Fairbrother, Harri Keddie and Ashley Sweet were all in attendance. Players signed autographs and posed for photos with the mini and junior squads alongside Ebbw Vale’s Principality Premiership Trophy. Players also helped out in coaching sessions and refereeing games with over 100 children from the clubs mini and junior sections taking part.
Caerphilly RFC hosted a Family Fun Day and BBQ. Dragons players Ollie Griffiths, Elliott Dee, Jack Dixon, James Thomas, Matthew Screech and Tom Davies arrived in a Dragons’ Summer Tour mini-bus to hand out medals to players who took part in an under 8’s tournament featuring Caerphilly RFC and teams from a number of other nearby clubs. Dragons players offered coaching tips to the club’s older age groups as well as taking part in a signing session for juniors and parents.
Hafodyrynys RFC hosted a Club Open Day with juniors taking part in a range of activities including a Q & A with Dragons Players Ollie Griffiths, Elliott Dee, Jack Dixon, James Thomas, Matthew Screech and Tom Davies. Players shared their experiences of playing rugby through their youth as well as passing on advice for the young players. Dragons Mascot Rodney also made an appearance to entertain the club’s youngsters.
Penallta RFC held an evening Q & A hosted by Phil Steele. Dragons Coach Ceri Jones was joined on the panel by new signings Pat Howard and Nick Macleod as well as Rynard Landman and Brok Harris. Players spoke about their experiences in rugby and looked ahead to the new Guinness PRO12 season, which starts away to Ulster on Friday 2nd September.
For a gallery of images taken from the event please click here.
