Dixon: New Dragons boss Ryan has taken the weight off our shoulders

The New England Patriots boss' success has been underpinned by the philosophy of individuals just doing the task required of them.

Belichick has been in charge in Massachusetts since 2000 and no Dragons coaches have ever had the chance to build such a dynasty.

Dixon may only be 24 but the inside centre has already played under five bosses since his 2011 debut with director of rugby Dean Ryan following, Bernard Jackman, Kingsley Jones, Lyn Jones and Darren Edwards.

The latest head honcho enjoyed a successful start to his tenure with last Saturday's 34-17 win against the Scarlets in Newport, a triumph that he said was largely down to honest graft.

"It's just working hard, and anybody can work hard. Can you do it time and time again? People like Jack Dixon, big Joe Davies, Huw Taylor was outstanding, Brok Harris, they kept working," said former Bristol, Gloucester and Worcester boss Ryan.

"Everybody has a view of what good is, but actually it's the things that underpin it. We have got to get better at those things because we have got some ability but sometimes it's not been built on the right aspects and we have got frustrated because it hasn't worked for us."

Dixon has always been a grafter but added nice touches when forming an impressive midfield partnership with Adam Warren against the Scarlets.

The duo had a hand in the first four of the five tries at Rodney Parade with the centre from Newbridge, named man of the match, relishing the chance to just focus on the task at hand.

"Dean has come in and taken all the weight off our shoulders. He has said to the boys to worry about our own jobs and that he will deal with all of the other stuff, that we just have to go out there and play rugby," said Dixon.

"Not many coaches give you that licence and it's nice to hear, and it showed in our performance against the Scarlets.

"He is still getting to know us as players and people, it is still early days but I feel that we are going in the right direction.

"It's going to be tough for all of us but we have worked hard in pre-season and are going well so far.

It's been a hell of a long summer but all the coaches have planned it really well and we are just getting to the peak of our fitness now."

Dixon thrived outside Sam Davies, his fly-half on the way to the final of the World Rugby U20 Championship in 2013.

He said: "It's nice to be playing with Sam again… although I won't say too much about him because his head is big enough as it is!

"But we get on really well and he is an outstanding player who has slotted into the team nicely."

A smattering of senior Dragons are likely to feature in the Celtic Cup fixture against Ulster in Ystrad Mynach on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).