Dragons push on with hunt for a 10

10:00am Thursday 7th March 2013 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Chris Kirwan

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons’ hunt for an experienced number 10 goes on despite being knocked back by Andy Goode and Nicky Robinson.

Ex-England pivot Goode this week confirmed his move to Wasps while former Wales fly-half Robinson opted for a three-year deal with Bristol in the English Championship.

The Dragons’ negotiations with the pair got to the advanced stage but neither put pen to paper.

The region continue to pursue non-Welsh targets in key positions and have a number of offers on the table.

“The key positions that we have looked to recruit are tighthead prop, outside half, second row and potentially a midfield player,” said director of rugby Robert Beale.

“Myself and (head coach) Darren Edwards have put a lot of effort in but unfortunately other offers were made at the 11th hour.

“Andy Goode and Nicky Robinson were two very experienced outside halves that Darren and his coaching team felt would add to our squad.

“The moves fell through at the last minute but that doesn’t alter our recruitment strategy. We are working in a tough environment but are determined to push on and currently have offers out there in the key positions.

“We do have the money, and we are grateful to the board for increasing our budget, but we need to make sure we get the right player at the right price. We need to spend wisely.”

The Dragons plan to operate with a squad of around 40 to 42 players.

Meanwhile, the region are poised to agree a three-year deal with kit and equipment manufacturers Gilbert.

Comments(22)

JTFish says...
12:17pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Should these people be negotiating on behalf of the Dragons, when a lot think they should be heading for the door?
Surely, this is bad business! If a new coach comes in, he will have his own idea's on who we should be bringing in!

Another ****-up looming!

and perhaps, waste of money!

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Mr Stuart Parry says...
12:36pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Well saidJTFish!

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Robert Shillabeer says...
1:37pm Thu 7 Mar 13

We can't afford to wait until a new director of rugby and/or new head coach are in place, if that happens. We need to be in the marketplace now or the better players will be gone, it's only six months or so before the new season starts. Any new coach will manage with what's there at least for the first season.

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SWBorderer says...
2:29pm Thu 7 Mar 13

What's the betting on Arlidge coming back

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East Newport Dave says...
2:34pm Thu 7 Mar 13

No good player in his right mind will bother with the Dragons in the current climate. It needs to start with bringing in a world class coach. The rest will follow on behind it.

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newport2012 says...
3:10pm Thu 7 Mar 13

East Newport Dave wrote:
No good player in his right mind will bother with the Dragons in the current climate. It needs to start with bringing in a world class coach. The rest will follow on behind it.
Absolutley spot on!!

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Robert Shillabeer says...
3:11pm Thu 7 Mar 13

SWBorderer wrote:
What's the betting on Arlidge coming back
Problem with that is he's 33 now and would it be wise spending the money on him for a year or so? Plus we need a couple of good props more than a centre.

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high x boy says...
3:52pm Thu 7 Mar 13

far too many players.

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corpardguy says...
5:22pm Thu 7 Mar 13

From the article they are looking for the right positions, but its not just whats available its who will come .
If Nick Robinson (a Cearleon boy) chose an English Championship side (I know Bristol will likely get back to the premiership soon) over the NGD set up what does that say about our rugby?
Could we beat Bristol today?

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Robert Shillabeer says...
6:10pm Thu 7 Mar 13

corpardguy wrote:
From the article they are looking for the right positions, but its not just whats available its who will come .
If Nick Robinson (a Cearleon boy) chose an English Championship side (I know Bristol will likely get back to the premiership soon) over the NGD set up what does that say about our rugby?
Could we beat Bristol today?
The last time we played Bristol we lost, that was about three years ago if my memory seves me well, filthy rain soaked day that was.

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Robert Shillabeer says...
6:26pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Bristol won't be going up this year, Newcastle have that sealed, played 17 won17, on 80 points with 5 games to go. Bristol Have 6 games left and 34 points to make up (35 to go top).

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pooles says...
6:31pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Ronald Mcdonald maybe avaialble ?

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pooles says...
6:33pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Ronald Macdonald is available and has his own big boots !!

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exilemike says...
6:41pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Who of any ability would contemplate coming to a side whose future is not assured.The quality of the present squad is far short of what is required to be competitive.The money is not available to make the large number of replacements requied,sad but true.

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Doberman1 says...
7:29pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Only this joke of a club could allow our totally inept coach and director of rugby to start recruiting new players, it simply beggars belief. What decent players in their right mind would consider us as a decent option? At least with a new coach in situ we could offer some hope to potential new recruits. Shambles, from top to bottom.

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dragons#1 says...
7:29pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Never mind centres we need big investment in the front five. Without a platform forget any improvments

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Robert Shillabeer says...
8:40pm Thu 7 Mar 13

dragons#1 wrote:
Never mind centres we need big investment in the front five. Without a platform forget any improvments
Your right we need a sold pack, some are good but need more strength although 10 is a problem, need quicker ball to go forward more.

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cdfdragon says...
10:26pm Thu 7 Mar 13

Doberman1 wrote:
Only this joke of a club could allow our totally inept coach and director of rugby to start recruiting new players, it simply beggars belief. What decent players in their right mind would consider us as a decent option? At least with a new coach in situ we could offer some hope to potential new recruits. Shambles, from top to bottom.
Truer words have never been spoken!

The board have simply failed to learn (again).

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East Newport Dave says...
8:49am Fri 8 Mar 13

I won't be committing any money on a new season ticket unless there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The coaching staff need to be replaced now in order for the replacement to have a decent chance to make a difference next season. My prediction is that nothing will be done and that any signings made will just be more of the same. Attendances have dropped alarmingly (a trend in all four Welsh regions). Expect 2-3000 attendances next season - IF WE ARE STILL IN BUSINESS>

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crosskeysgirl18 says...
5:53pm Fri 8 Mar 13

Ok...listen Dragons Directors, Management etc. Its no good getting rid of number 10s and bringing in new ones! Develop them n theyll get better! With people already turning away from buying season tickets, we cant afford another 10! Weve got 2/3 already!

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Robert Shillabeer says...
6:27pm Fri 8 Mar 13

crosskeysgirl18 wrote:
Ok...listen Dragons Directors, Management etc. Its no good getting rid of number 10s and bringing in new ones! Develop them n theyll get better! With people already turning away from buying season tickets, we cant afford another 10! Weve got 2/3 already!
Come on get the story straight, some want changes some don't. Signing Richie Rees is a good move and the Dragons have been looking for a good number ten, remember Goode and Phillips that everyone were keen on. No talk of not needing one then. The Dragons have said they were looking for an experienced number ten and now they have one, so target number one completed on now to get that scrum sorted.

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Robert Shillabeer says...
6:30pm Fri 8 Mar 13

Oops meant Robinson not Phillips.

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