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Dragons statement: The long-term unavailability of Ollie Griffiths

By Liam Heagney
Dragons forward Ollie Griffiths (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Dragons have explained why back-rower Ollie Griffiths won’t feature in their team for quite some time. Having debuted for the region in 2014/15, the 2017 Wales Test team pick made a half-dozen URC/Challenge Cup appearances last season but there is no date on when he might next play for the Newport-based club side.

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A statement ahead of Friday’s URC trip to Leinster read: “Dragons RFC can confirm that back row Ollie Griffiths is unavailable for selection for the foreseeable future as he undergoes medical treatment. Following medical investigations, Ollie has been diagnosed with a tumour on the spine that requires intervention.

“The 29-year-old – who has played 105 times for the Men of Gwent – has decided alongside the club to make this announcement to clarify his availability, having already told his teammates, coaches and staff.

“Ollie is now undergoing treatment that is being reviewed monthly, he remains fit and well, and he is looking forward to returning to full health.

“The club will continue to work with Ollie to ensure he receives the best care and support to aid his treatment. Our sole concern is his health and the privacy of him and his family at this time. Any further updates on Ollie’s progress will come via official channels and only with his approval. The club will make no further comment at this time.”

Fixture
United Rugby Championship
Leinster
14:35
27 Sep 24
Dragons RFC
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Terry24 51 minutes ago
Everyone knows the Springboks' ranking was puffed up

Rassie's video before the Series matches kept implying that Ireland were arrogant and needed taking down: 'unfinished business'.

Etzebeth's attack on the Irish team and DeAllende's attack on the Irish media had exactly the same theme: arrogance. It's not a coincidence. Obviously you don't spend an entire article attacking a country but you drop in an insult which is exactly what DeAllende did. Out of the blue about Irish arrogance continuing a theme that Rassie knows irritates Ireland, since NZ media started it after the series in NZ 2022. (It irritates Ireland because its completely untrue).

In the RWC Rassie (and Foster) kept publicly saying that Ireland were not respecting/needed to respect Scotland. This is blatant interference in two pool competitors match. Ireland fell for this and oput way too much into the Scotland match instead of viewing it as a match to be one minimally with the ultimate test coming 6-7 days later against NZ needing all reserves.

I am surprized at your comment re Ireland. Didn't you see many of our young reserves on the team that beat SA in Durban? There are a load more coming through in all positions: the opening round of the URC was an eye opener with the performance of Irish teams and young Irish players. These players are playing for emerging Ireland, Irish wolfhounds, U20s etc. They are well enconced in the system before they get their international caps.

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Werner 1 hour ago
Everyone knows the Springboks' ranking was puffed up

I think you give way too much creedence to the conspiracies about rassies off field tactics and mind games. not sure what was to be gained from him sending out DDA and Eben to 'disrespect' Ireland. If you read DDA interview he's actually very respectful to the Irish team and keeps stating how tough and dominant they are and how forward he looks to and epic battle. So again not sure what bridges he burnt. Rassies tactics have always been about motivating his team, yes perhaps using fictitious storylines but they have never been about distracting or disrespecting the opposition and not meant for airing in public.


Before you mention his lions tour video rant that was not to get under the lions skin but instead to get a reaction from world rugby and the refs. To this day I don't think I've seen another ref laugh at or brush off one Kolisi questions since... So mission accomplished.


Nienaber and Jones have strong accolades in their own rights but don't write off Rassie as someone who rides coat tales and don't discount how he has helped develop and sponsor them. His track record speaks for itself. Remembering his skill set isn't tactics and strategies it's build teams and support systems. SA have in large part him to thank for their approach to player depth and success of their rush defense, with all the ground work and systems he put in place across WP, the Free state and during his tenure as technical assistant to SA.


In terms of their future I'd say it's looking bright. Barring the Argentinian game there has been a lot of points left on the field by the boks and with time some of those players will gel and start converting those points. I wish I was as optimistic about Ireland however I'm growing more and more nervous that Schmidt aversion for blooding new players has hampered Ireland's depth and hamstrung Farrel, in particular across the backline. Larmour, Keenan, Frawley and Crowley should all have gotten call ups earlier than they did to start getting mentored and engrained in the team. Seem to be the only team in WR to debut players only after they turn 22 y.o

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