Club: Newport Gwent Dragons
Last season: 9th
Odds for the title: 66/1
Season opener: away v Scarlets, 1st September
Ins
Richard Parks (Perpignan), Alistair Lyon (Racing Club Chalonnais), Adam Jones (Scarlets), Andy Williams (Bath), Richard Mustoe (loan, Ospreys) Rhodri Davies (Northampton), Wayne Evans (Cardiff), Gareth McCarthy (Glamorgan Wanderers), Hugh Gustafson (Scarlets)
Outs
Gareth Baber (retiring), Aled Brew (Ospreys), Nathan Brew (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper (Gloucester), Ian Gough (Ospreys), Bryn Griffiths (Doncaster), Mike Hercus (Belmont Shore), James Ireland, Matt Jess (both released), Dai Maddocks (Coventry), Shane Stewart (released), Craig Warlow (retired)
The player preview
Dragons’ new No9 Andy Williams looks ahead to the 2007/2008 campaign
When did you decide to come back?
Around December – I met Paul (Turner) and that was that, my mind was made up. In my own mind there wasn’t really the opportunity to stay at Bath, I’d done my time and I wasn’t keen to stay on.
Why not?
Bath’s a great club but when I came back last season I just felt I needed a change, something to spark me again. It’s nice to come back and challenge for the scrum-half position again, but I don’t take a place in the team for granted.
You never seemed to get much chance at No9 at the Rec?
It changed a lot behind scenes, but that was a mystery to me. I don’t think there was much of a coach/player relationship.
How you finding the Dragons?
Sometimes people have a low opinion of us because we don’t flash about this and about that. But we had a cracking side last year and it’s even better this year. The attitude is tremendous and the youngsters who were blooded in 2006/2007 are going to be even better for the experience.
You’re settling back in nicely then?
Yeah, I’m living back in Swansea now and it’s nice to be around my family again. I also travel to Newport with a few of the boys – I share a car with Richard Mustoe, Adam Jones, Steve Jones and Colin Charvis (when he gets back), and there’s been a lot of banter which has been good.
Five rugby players in one car, bit of a squeeze eh?
Yeah! Although, as he’s 6ft 7in, we always let Adam have the front seat.
Back to the rugby, can the Dragons do anything this year?
I think we can turn a few heads. We’ve had a really good pre-season, one of the best I’ve ever had – from the weights to the speed work to the way it’s been organised – it’s all been spot on. The coaches have a really good relationship with the players and now the games are kicking in things are really coming together.
What’s impressed you most?
The way the squad has bonded so quickly. And also the youngsters such as Ashley Smith and Gareth Maule, they’re class and the speed of their hands has been tremendous. And there’s no cliques in this squad either, we’re all in it together.
Any other players to look out for?
I think Wayne Evans, the scrum-half from Cardiff, stands out. He really showed what he could do on the sevens’ circuit for Wales and I also think Adam Jones and Joe Bemand are going to be tremendous too.
Although if Evans is too good, could be problematic for you?
I strive on competition and he and Alex Walker are good competition. That brings out the best in me and they’ll keep me on my toes which is definitely something I need!
Away Scarlets to start with, but at least they won’t have their internationals…
Playing Scarlets away is never easy even without their internationals, but we’ve got the confidence and talent to get a result. And besides, these days, every game is tough whoever you play.
Nonetheless, it certainly helps playing sides without the World Cup stars?
We definitely want to capitalise on that, but we’re missing players as well and sides have big squads these days.
What are your targets?
We want to win every competition we enter. Personally, I want us to challenge in Magners League and reach at least the quarter-finals in Europe. It is tough but that’s what we play for, I think anything is possible if we grow as a squad – we’re confident going into this season.
If not the Dragons, who else do you fancy?
Looking at the signings, Ospreys have strong squad as do all the Welsh regions. But I fancy Leinster to turn things around. They’re a very tough side and they’ve signed some good forwards. We’re all aware of their backline, but if they sort things up front they’re going to be tremendous.
And a surprise package?
I wouldn’t be surprised if Glasgow do well. They’ve signed some experienced, old heads and that’s what they’ve been lacking so I think they’ll shock a few people.
Supporters’ prediction: "A couple of decent signings and, coupled with
the World Cup decimating some of the other regions, we should do better
this year. Certainly hope we can get into the top half of the table
this season."
Prediction: 6th
rucked.com prediction: 10th. Much as we hate to say it and would love to be wrong, while Dragons have a decent first choice XV, the squad lacks the depth of rivals and will probably end up scrapping at the wrong end of the table. Expect a few shocks at Rodney Parade though.