Passionate Support in Ebbw Vale a Real Boost

Ceri Jones joined Ebbw Vale as Forwards Coach in February 2015, joining the Dragons after 18 months with the Steelmen following a spell with Worcester Warriors. Jones had a successful spell at Eugene Cross Park, as the Steelmen lifted the Principality Premiership title.

“I had a fabulous time coaching up there,” said Dragons forwards coach Ceri Jones. “My dad played there for many a year and it really is the epitome of Gwent Rugby.

Jones has called for passionate support when the Dragons take on Richard Cockerill’s Edinburgh team.

“They’ll obviously get behind this match and I’m sure we’re going to have a huge support on the day - I can’t wait to see the support up there.”

“It’s massive to see the professional game back at Eugene Cross Park and I am very much looking forward to going back because on a personal note they have given me nothing but support when I was there.

“With the level of rugby players that will be coming up to Ebbw Vale it is nice for them to have professional sport back in their home patch.

“It’s huge for the community that we are doing this – taking a Guinness PRO14 league game around the region. I can’t see anyone else in Wales doing that and it is something that we really want to embrace. We want to embrace the whole region and get everyone behind us and raise that belief in us, and get everyone to buy into what we are doing." 

Eugene Cross Park won’t be unfamiliar territory for the Dragons as they took on Glasgow Warriors last August at the ground in a pre-season friendly and a number of players have played for the club. Jones doesn’t expect the Dragons’ preparations to differ too much from a normal home game. 

“Obviously we will be doing most of our training in Ystrad Mynach, but part of our training base will be up at Eugene Cross Park.

“[We will train in Ebbw Vale] probably for a full day on the Tuesday, and then hopefully get on the pitch for the team run as well and, like I said, all the players are really looking forward to it.”

There will be an open training session on Tuesday 20th February at Eugene Cross Park, and Jones feels this can only benefit the Dragons. He said: “That’s going to give us a huge boost. We are very open at the training ground as well. I’m sure there will be a good support up there for the open training session and when you can see people around us and buying in to it, as a whole group it ups the standards.”

The Dragons open training session at Eugene Cross Park is on Tuesday 20 February, from 1-2.30pm.As well as meeting the players there will be kids activities, with rugby skills, the chance to meet Rodney as well as a FREE t-shirt giveaway.