Dragons duo Dan Babos and Carwyn Penny have jetted to the other side of the world to continue their rugby development.
The two talented backs - who are part of the Dragons Academy Under-23 set-up - will benefit from time in the New Zealand club game during the close season.
Penny and Babos, both 20, have linked up with Te Awamutu Sports for a two-month spell to compete in Waikato Premier Club Rugby before returning to Wales.
Te Awamutu Sports, based in Waikato, boast a proud history and have previously welcomed the likes of Matt Dawson, Bruce Reihana, Jono Gibbes, Nicky Little and Ian Foster for playing spells.
Babos and Penny have become the latest overseas players to represent the club and James Chapron, General Manager at Dragons, believes both will benefit from the spell away as part of their development programme.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for Dan and Carwyn to go away and work on their game and also experience a different environment and culture in New Zealand,” he said.
“We’ve sent players across before and know the benefits they get from time in club rugby, developing their game and mindset.
“We will be monitoring their progress closely and our thanks go to Steve Hale and his rugby recruitment business in New Zealand for making this opportunity possible.”
Both players have impressed during the opening weeks of the link-up, with Penny winning the man-of-the-match award in his first game against Hautapu.
“It’s been easy to settle in and I’m living with the captain from the club so he has taken me under his wing,” revealed Penny.
“The club has been really welcoming and sorted everything we needed to make it an easy switch.
“The rugby has been tough so far as the game is a lot different to back home,” added Penny, who has played fly half and full back so far.
“The speed of the matches is faster and it’s good to experience the type of rugby they play over here.”
For more information on Te Awamutu Sports click HERE
It’s a fantastic opportunity for Dan and Carwyn to go away and work on their game and also experience a different environment and culture in New Zealand...
