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Ryan comes out on top in battle of ex-English forwards to take over at Dragons - reports

Ex-Worcester coach Dean Ryan is set for a return with Dragons (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Dean Ryan appears to have beaten Graham Rowntree in the battle of former England international forwards looking to take over as boss at Dragons, the Welsh PRO14 strugglers who sacked Bernard Jackman last December.

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The ex-English back row is familiar with Rodney Parade, having taken on the role of rugby consultant for the Dragons during the 2012/13 season.

But he is now poised to return to Wales in charge of the whole shooting match at a club whose latest underwhelming league campaign produced just five wins in 21 outings.

Ryan has been working as RFU’s head of international player development since 2016, following three years as director of rugby at Worcester.

The former No 8 for Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle and Bristol, who won six England caps, also previously coached at Bristol and Gloucester, and had a stint as assistant to the Scottish national team.

Former Wales prop Ceri Jones had been in charge at Rodney Parade in an interim role since Jackman’s exit after 18 months in the role. He is expected to stay on the staff in an assistant coach capacity after turning down an offer to link up with Doncaster.

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Jones was interviewed by Dragons chairman David Buttress to replace Jackman on a permanent basis, but he is now reportedly set to work under the incoming Ryan who will be expected to quickly shake-up the club following years of under-achievement at the WRU-owned Gwent outfit.

In a statement issued by the club, Buttress said: “We have interviewed high calibre candidates for the role in what has been a rigorous process.

“This isn’t a decision we wanted to rush and we haven’t done so, but what has impressed me is the quality of candidates we have spoken to and the potential they see at the Dragons for success.

“I understand supporters are keen to know who will fill the role, but while we want to keep supporters informed, we are making sure we get the appointment right and expect to make an announcement shortly.”

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Hellhound 43 minutes ago
What has happened to Aphelele Fassi?

Willie will always be the most missed player for me once he retires. He wasn't interested in scoring tries. The ultimate team player. Has the most assists in tries in the Bok team, and his kicks always spot on, at least 95% of the time. He reads the game like no other player can. He wasn't flashy, and people didn't notice him because of that. Great rugby head and knowledge. He should be catapulted into an assistant coach in the rugby system. He should really consider coaching.


Damian Willemse is an excellent fullback and he is the number 1 fullback. He can play the entire backline positions, except maybe 9, but I'm sure he would be able too if he wanted. No one is taking that away from him, only stand in while he is injured. He is world class and you don't swap that out. He also got wicked dancing feet, great eye for openings, and reads a game like few can, like Willie Le Roux. Also very strong on his feet, with absolute great hands and his kicking game is just as good.


As for Aphelele Fassi. What a great find and he has exceptional talent that Rassie will mould into a world class player. Yet.... He is nowhere even close to Damien Willemse. He has a long way to go to get there, but he is surrounded by great team mates from who he will gain lots of advice and support. He can play wing and fullback and Rassie may just try him out as a flyhalf or centre too. He has the abilities to expand his game. He is for sure a future star, but not yet at the stage to take away Damien Willemse's spot. However, DW start and AF on the bench, that is an awesome replacement. Between the 2 they cover all positions in the backline once AF gets that training. The Boks could go 6/2 permanently if they wanted. 6 forwards, a scrumhalf and AF. I may be wrong, but Rassie will spread AF around.

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R
RedWarrior 1 hour ago
'They smelt it': Scott Robertson says Italy sensed All Blacks' vulnerability

I think Italy were always targetting this match and intended to win. They needed to exorcise the 2023 RWC. I think they could have done with a bit more help from other 6Ns particularly from Ireland to knock more holes in NZ and their confidence.

Mentioned before the Italy Argentina match was a virus that ripped through the Italy camp early that week. In general play Italy were competitive albeit with a high error count and crucial missed tackles.

Ive said it before the era of NZ turning up unprepared for all comers and triumphing is definitively over. If a Tier1 team target NZ and NZ do not prepare accordingly they are in with a major chance of losing. It used to occur the odd time in RWCs against France, now it can occur v any Tier1. The competition has improved. NZ can still be at the top but their talents must be deployed sufficiently into dismantling teams as with their attack then allowed to exploit.

They dismantled Ireland pretty well in Dublin which went largely unnoticed. That allowed them scoreboard advantage and attacking opportunities of which one was enough.

That Italian team beat Wales and significantly Scotland last year. They used the loss to NZ in the most positive way possible. No doubt NZ prepared but I would assume it was similar to versus Argentina: 3/4 arsed at best. These test matches are rare and this was another chance to practice dismantling a determined and prepared opponent which was lost. If Italy had scored a 7 pointer at 17-6....an Italian win was on.

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