Lyn Jones Signs Up For Another Stint With The Dragons

[TRF_Cymro]

Lyn Jones has been named Newport Gwent Dragons' new director of rugby.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-union/22838618​

 

[profitius]

I see the Dragons have been busy making changes to their squad. It should be interesting to see how they go this season.

 

[TRF_Cymro]

Got a feeling they will be a better drilled side. Still lacking upfront I feel.

 

[dullonien]

They've brought in two good coaches in Lyn Jones and Kingsley Jones. I think that will be evident, as their coaching set-up last season was a bit rubbish imo.

Their front 5 will still be lacking, although Steve Jones at hooker should add some much needed experience. Can Talei play in the second row? Edit. actually has Steve Jones just joined as a coach?

 

[Draggs]

Jones is a coach, we have brought in T Rhys Thomas as a hooker though. Yeah up front is still an issue. Lyn did well at LW with a limited budget, here's hoping he can do the same. We've gone from signing poor championship and WP players to some surplus ones, so that's an improvement...

 

[dullonien]

Jones is a coach, we have brought in T Rhys Thomas as a hooker though. Yeah up front is still an issue. Lyn did well at LW with a limited budget, here's hoping he can do the same. We've gone from signing poor championship and WP players to some surplus ones, so that's an improvement...

I knew there was a hooker coming in, couldn't find it in the quick 30sec search I did. Rhys Thomas should do a decent job.

 

[Draggs]

Certainly should.
With any luck he can pass some knowledge onto Parry and Dee. Haven't heard anything about Sollis in a while, hope his recovery is going smoothly (car crash last December, was in intensive care). We also have Gustafson, and he has been passable at times.

I hope that Jason comes out ready to go. He knows this is his chance. I think the crowds will quickly welcome him back (hope so!), he was our prodigal son for a few seasons. This does leave the Blues short at standoff. Wonder if they want an international standoff...

My biggest concern is the same as it has been the past whatever seasons, prop and second row. Rumours of Goughy returning, which would be good for a season or two, but certainly not long term. I'd love for Luke to return. Gutted we couldn't keep Dan, but we have some depth in the back row (Evans, Cudd, Waters, Faletau, Jones, Benjamin). I think Lewis will be at blindside this season, while openside it up for grabs. Faletau and Jones will probably be rotated, although some seem to think Toby will be on his way, so Ieuan might see more action.

 

[dullonien]

Surely Talei would figure in there somewhere? Seen some impressive performances from him at times over the past couple of seasons, especially during their HC run in '11-'12.

Having Gough back for a season or two would be good. Better than playing Sidoli, and would add some much needed grunt to the tight 5. Hopefully Coombs will kick on and really become a leader in that Dragons pack as well.