Up the Port

Stand Up for the Men of Gwent!

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

Fantastic to see so many Dragons represented here. Encouraging to see the volume of talent coming through in Gwent

On the other hand, very concerning times for the Ospreys - just 2 in the squad (plus one each from Neath and Aberavon). Anyone know what’s going on there?

[Argus on the Dragons @argusondragons]

Nick Thomas fit to be one of ELEVEN Dragons in the 45-strong Wales training squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship.

Seven of them played in the Six Nations.

https://t.co/Tnygd7LNLM

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@c_kirwan Huge loss but hard to blame him. Offers something different but being overlooked for Wales, this might help him get back into the squad

Used to be an area of strength for us (Cudd, Ollie etc.), but Keddie now our only front-line 7? And arguably he’s more of a 6

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@LWaunfawr @c_kirwan It’s blindingly obvious a new head coach (and back room team) is needed

The owners need to give clarity on this as a matter of urgency

How can we hope to attract new signings (and retain stars & young talent - & fans) if they don’t know who’s in charge of this rudderless ship?

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@dragonsrfc @URCOfficial @Cardiff_Rugby Huge boost!

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@dragonsrfc Wow - puts it into perspective what these players go through

Shane has been highly impressive for the Dragons this season, and even more so in light of this

Speedy recovery Shane!

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@argusondragons Class player who never has a bad game for Newport

If he wanted it, the Dragons should not hesitate to give him a chance

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@simonrug As you’ve said, it’s a sign of the level we are at the moment

Shame we couldn’t have got Argentina, Japan or even a Portugal but I guess player release becomes an issue for many nations

[stephan lewies @lewies4]

Can someone please explain how Jarrod Evans doesn’t make the Wales team??

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@WalesRugby He’s clutching at straws again

Wanting to reduce number of non-Welsh players playing in Wales is bizarre, especially given how few there currently are

As for “take back control” - @WelshRugbyUnion does this really reflect your organisation’s culture and values? Troubling if so

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@thepaulwilliams Very impressive. Shows what can be done with a forward thinking coach in charge

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

Don’t usually like to single players out but Elias is nowhere near test level

Line out was decent with Lake on the field

First 5 throws after he’s replaced (why so early?), we fail to claim

Far from the only reason we lost but just one example of baffling coaching calls

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@WalesRugby Winnett our best back (granted it’s a low bar), gets a 5

Meanwhile Elias gets a 4

🤯

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@c_kirwan Precisely

Dai is clearly a very good young coach but was spread far too thin by having to wear too many hats at once

Dean Ryan should never have had his contract extended a matter of months before being sacked

Big question is, how much are the new owners willing to spend now?

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@c_kirwan Just as we get to the point where it’s “Dai’s team” - his pick of playing squad and coaching team - the whole cycle starts again

I feel this is the right call but only if the Dragons need bring in an experienced DoR

Harsh truth is DF was never ready for this much responsibility

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@JNPhillips4 No chance of getting a foothold in games with a set piece as poor as what we saw today

Sadly it’s far too predictable. Huge drop off in quality when a handful of front rowers are rested/injured

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@c_kirwan Who could possibly have predicted pre-season that signing some props might have been a good idea? 🤔

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

One of my favourite away trips

Great to see Will Reed in black and amber again

#COTP

[Newport RFC 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ @NewportRFC]

Midweek B&As 🖤💛

#COTP #YmlaenCasnewydd

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@c_kirwan Not just level of coverage, but always top quality rugby journalism from you Chris

[Up the Port @SUFTMOG]

@dragonsrfc Brave player on the pitch and even braver in sharing this awful news. Best wishes for a full recovery Ollie