Ricky Williams, Richard Payne, Will Kershaw-Naylor and Ben Thomson who all trained full time with the Region have also been released. There are also three other players who have been released but will continue on part time contracts with Premiership clubs within the Region, they are Andrew Brown (hooker), Dan Griffiths (fly half) and Richard Dale (back row). Leigh Hinton has been placed on the transfer list.
Speaking on the release of a number of players Coach Paul Turner commented, “Although the limitations and constraints have been well documented in the past, it has always been my ambition to move this region forward. My belief is that we have to attempt to create a change of culture through a continued increase in professional standards and an improving work ethic. As head coach I have attempted to create the best possible environment to develop players both within the academy system and throughout the region generally. I believe we have gone some way to creating that environment but continued hard work within our organisation along with the influx of new players will further enhance the process.”
The Dragons have confirmed a number of new signings for next season and joining the Region are Aled Brew from the Ospreys, Matt Jess from Cornish Pirates, Gareth Chapman from Newport RFC, Shane Stewart from Ulster, Ben Daly from Viadana, Nic Fitseman from Nottingham and Joe Bearman from Cornish Pirates.
A number of further signings are due to be announced in the coming weeks these will include a tight head prop, centre, outside half and openside flanker.
Paul continued, “The new players joining and along with the development and fast tracking of members of the successful Wales U19 squad who are in the Dragons academy namely Lewis Evans, Gareth Maule, Ashley Smith and Jamie Corsi who have been given senior academy contracts. Academy scrum half Alex Walker has been given a senior development contract.
This is coupled with the emergence of players who have played regularly in the Principality Premiership and have been given a taste of regional rugby already this season and have stood up to the challenges these are Scott Williams, Simon Hunt and Will Thomas and they will give the region a far greater strength in depth for the challenges that lie ahead next season
