Dragons RFC
Founded2003
LocationNewport, Wales
Ground(s)Rodney Parade (Capacity: 8,700)
ChairmanDavid Buttress
Coach(es)Dai Flanagan
Captain(s)Steffan Hughes
Most capsLewis Evans (236)
Top scorerJason Tovey (974)
Most triesAled Brew (43)
League(s)United Rugby Championship
2022–2315th (Welsh Shield: 4th)
1st kit
2nd kit
Official website
www.dragonsrugby.wales

Dragons RFC (Welsh: Dreigiau) are one of the four professional rugby union regional teams in Wales. They are owned by the Welsh Rugby Union and play their home games at Rodney Parade, Newport. They play in the United Rugby Championship and the European Rugby Champions Cup/European Rugby Challenge Cup. The region they represent covers an area of southeast Wales including Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport and Torfaen with a total population approaching 600,000 and they are affiliated with a number of semi-professional and amateur clubs throughout the area, including Pontypool RFC, Caerphilly RFC, Cross Keys RFC, Ebbw Vale RFC and Newport RFC.[1]

Formed in 2003 as a result of the introduction of regional rugby union teams in Wales, the team started life with a third-place finish in the 2003–04 Celtic League, and finished fourth the next season; however, the team finished in the bottom three in each of the next four seasons. In 2007, they reached the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup, losing to French side ASM Clermont Auvergne 46–29. In 2011, they reached the semi-finals of the Anglo-Welsh Cup, losing to Gloucester. They are yet to make the knock-out stage of the European Rugby Champions Cup.

History

Formation

The regional team were formed on 1 April 2003, following an agreement between Ebbw Vale RFC and Newport RFC to form one of five regional rugby entities.[2] Fundamental disagreements between the clubs[3] saw a period of arbitration, led by the then Welsh Rugby Union chief executive David Moffett, which recommended the name "Gwent Dragons". On 28 July the side was launched under that name.[4] This prompted Newport RFC benefactor Tony Brown of Bisley, Surrey to withdraw his financial support for the region. However, by 21 August Brown returned after Ebbw Vale chairman Marcus Russell resigned and the side's name was changed to "Newport and Gwent Dragons".[5] With the Welsh Rugby Union demanding an explanation for the changes, and acrimony between the two clubs[6] another agreement was struck:[7] the side officially became 'Newport Gwent Dragons'. On 12 November 2003, the region's founding company Gwent Rugby Ltd entered into administration.[8] On 27 November a new company, Dragons Rugby Ltd., was established to run the region, with Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union each holding a 50% stake.[9]

2003–2005: Infancy

The logo used by the regional team between 2003 and 2017.

Under Mike Ruddock and his assistant Clive Griffiths Newport Gwent Dragons, with a squad largely drawn from the Newport RFC and Ebbw Vale RFC sides of the preceding year, beat their limited pre-season expectations. Despite starting their life in top-class rugby with a 35–11 defeat away to Llanelli Scarlets, it was the region's most successful season so far. A 29–19 win over the Ospreys was to prove more telling; captained by Andy Marinos the side remained unbeaten at home in the Celtic League and eliminated Stade Français[10] in the Heineken Cup. Going into the final round with an outside chance of taking the title, the Dragons finished third in the Celtic League[11] WRU bosses were impressed enough to appoint Ruddock to the vacant Welsh coaching job in summer 2004.[12] In 2005, Ruddock guided Wales to a Grand Slam Title in the Six Nations. Ruddock rewarded two of his former Dragons players, Hal Luscombe and Jason Forster, with their first test caps on Wales' summer tour of Argentina. Wales Percy Montgomery also impressed Springbok selectors enough to remind them of his international credentials, and earn a Tri Nations recall.

The following off season saw a marked change in direction. Gareth Cooper, Kevin Morgan and Ceri Sweeney were amongst a handful of players who joined the region when the Celtic Warriors were disbanded. Having originally agreed to replace Mike Ruddock as head coach, Declan Kidney decided instead to seek employment back home with Leinster. It was not until 27 July 2004 that former Australia national rugby league team coach Chris Anderson was appointed, with Leigh Jones as his assistant. Another credible Celtic League campaign followed, finishing fourth,[11] the second highest Welsh region. The side's Heineken Cup could be viewed as a wasted opportunity: the team beat French side Perpignan 27–14 at home, but were then beaten home and away by Newcastle Falcons to put paid to any quarter-final ambitions. Chris Anderson's contract was not extended beyond its initial one-year duration.[13]

2005–2011 Paul Turner era

The region looked to Harlequins backs coach Paul Turner, a Welshman, as their new head coach.[14] Turner would also have to contend with Percy Montgomery returning to South Africa[15] and Newport RFC stalwart Rod Snow retiring.[16] Munster and Sale Sharks proved too strong in the 2005–06 Heineken Cup. After finishing 8th in the Celtic League, a 24–15 defeat[17] Overmach Parma in a play-off for a place in the following seasons Heineken cup proved a new low for the region. Anglo-Welsh Cup wins over Leicester Tigers and Northampton Saints were the highlights of a tough season. Turner remained, but Wales international Hal Luscombe opted for a move away from the region, joining English Premiership side Harlequins.[18]

Former Wales captain Colin Charvis joined ahead of the 2006–07 season with the Dragons progressed into a European Challenge Cup semi-final, where they lost comfortably to ASM Clermont Auvergne. Domestically though, the region's European exploits appeared to take their toll, finishing ninth in the Celtic League. Significantly the region avoided the prospect of a second season away from the Heineken Cup, defeating another Italian side Calvisano 22–15.[19] The match also marked the end for departing Wales internationals Ian Gough and Gareth Cooper at Rodney Parade.

2007–08 proved to be another difficult season for the region. Signings such as scrum-half Andy Williams and flanker Richard Parks were not able to help reverse the side's fortunes. The Dragons 2007–08 Heineken Cup campaign only saw one win against Italian side Treviso and exiting the Anglo-Welsh Cup in the pool stages for a third year running. Between completing a double over Llanelli Scarlets on 1 January[20] to defeating the Ospreys on 6 May,[21] the Dragons failed to win a Celtic League game. Despite finishing as the lowest-placed Welsh side in the league[22] the region qualified for next season's Heineken Cup, without having to play off against Italian opposition due to a failure by the Italian League to finish before a specified date.[10]

The summer of 2008 marked a change in the Dragons recruitment policy to a more antipodean focus.[23] Several new signings included New Zealander Tom Willis who was also appointed captain.[24] The 2008–09 Heineken Cup saw visible signs of encouragement for the region. An opening round defeat of Glasgow at Rodney Parade and two respectable defeats to French giants Toulouse, sandwiched between narrow losses against Bath offered hope of arresting decline at Rodney Parade. Domestically in the Celtic League it was a case of same old as consecutive defeats in rearranged matches away at Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys ended any hopes of avoiding finishing as the lowest placed Welsh region and another Heineken Cup play off against Italian opposition. In record appearance holder Adam Black's final game for the side, the Dragons ran out comfortable winners away to Calvisano[25] to secure their place in European rugby's premier tournament for a third season running.

The 2009–10 season brought about significant improvements in results, with the Dragons remaining unbeaten at Rodney Parade in the Celtic League until their final home match, a 20–14 loss to Cardiff Blues.[26] Defeat also brought about the end of the Dragons bid to qualify for the inaugural Celtic League playoffs. An improved seventh-place finish did, however, mean automatic qualification for the Heineken cup as the third highest finishing Welsh region. Despite coming close to defeating Gloucester away at Kingsholm and a win at home against Glasgow, back to back losses at Biarritz put paid to the Dragons chances of progressing past the group stages of the Heineken Cup for the first time.

2011–2017

Turner stepped down as head coach in February 2011 with Darren Edwards taking over in a caretaker capacity.[27] In March 2011 Edwards led the Dragons to their first Anglo-Welsh Cup semi-final, where they lost to Gloucester. In April 2011 Edwards was appointed Head Coach on a full-time basis. Lyn Jones was appointed to the role of Director of Rugby in 2013 taking over a lot of on field responsibilities.[28] He brought with him then Russia head coach Kingsley Jones who worked with him as a consultant at London Welsh.[29] Edwards left the Dragons in February 2014[30] while in June, Jones was promoted to the role of head coach.[31]

During the 2014–2015 season, the Dragons reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, having defeated the Cardiff Blues 25-21.[32] This was their second time reaching the semi-finals, having done so in 2007. They lost 45-16 to Edinburgh in the semi-final. [33]

The following season, the Dragons once again reached the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup, but lost 22-12 to Montpellier.[34]

2017–2023: WRU ownership

In March 2017, following a vote of Newport RFC shareholders, the Welsh Rugby Union agreed to take over the Newport Gwent Dragons in its entirety as part of a deal that also saw the WRU take ownership of the Rodney Parade ground.[35] Following the takeover, Bernard Jackman was appointed head coach, and on 20 June 2017 it was announced that following the takeover of the region by the WRU, the region would be dropping "Newport Gwent" from its name with immediate effect, becoming known simply as "Dragons".[36] Jackman's endured a difficult first season in charge in 2017-18, with the Dragons recording only two wins in the league. Despite recruiting heavily for the 2018-19 campaign, including Wales forwards Ross Moriarty and Richard Hibbard, results did not improve and Jackman was dismissed in 2019 to be replaced by Dean Ryan.

During the WRU-ownership period, the Dragons signed a large number of English-born players eligible for Wales thanks to parents or grandparents, such as Ross Moriarty, Will Talbot-Davies, Tom Griffiths, Huw Taylor, Nick Tompkins, Joe Maksymiw, Greg Bateman and Will Rowlands.

Ahead of the 2022–2023 season, the Dragons continued their extensive recruitment drive, including established props Rhodri Jones and Rob Evans, as well as locks Sean Lonsdale and George Nott from the Premiership. JJ Hanrahan joined from Clermont, while two centres; Welsh-qualified Max Clark and New Zealander Sio Tomkinson added further depth. Further signings were made in the lead up to season.

2023 onwards: Return to private ownership

In July 2023 a consortium headed by Dragons chairman David Buttress bought Rodney Parade and the Dragons from the WRU.[37]

Team name

The naming of the region's team caused considerable turbulence.[38] Newport Gwent Dragons were a new side created out of the restructuring of Welsh rugby, and represent their designated region, like the Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets and the Ospreys. Some in the Welsh rugby world, such as Bobby Windsor, believed that including the name Newport would alienate some fans in the surrounding valleys.[39] Many supporters in the wider Newport area favoured greater identification with the City of Newport and a continuation of the historic traditions of Newport RFC.[5] Several names were suggested but all were rejected by the WRU. In the end, the WRU decided the region would be called the Gwent Dragons. However, initial response to the new region was mixed, with many fans unsure whether to buy a season ticket for the new side or to stick to their local clubs.[40] The company set up to run the side entered administration before a game had been played, and as a compromise the word "Newport" was added to the team name in a double-sized font, whilst "Gwent" was reduced. This addition and choice of kit added a greater Newport emphasis to the region and polarised the regions' fan base: some supporters of Ebbw Vale, Pontypool, Cross Keys and Newbridge turned their backs on the regional side, claiming that Gwent was no longer being equally represented.[41] This debate continued, with the Dragons being accused of favouritism towards their Newport feeder club rather than the other feeder clubs.[42]

The Newport Action Group, among others, claimed the side has lost more supporters by including the name "Gwent" in its title. The crowds supporting Newport Gwent Dragons averaged 5,154 for the 2005–06 season,[43] whereas in the 2002–03 season, Newport RFC was Wales' best supported club and British rugby's fourth best with an average attendance of 8,302 – behind English Premiership clubs Leicester, Gloucester and Northampton.[44] In the 2006–07 season, attendance averaged 5,629 at Rodney Parade.

On the 27 June 2022, the Dragons announced their rebranding as Dragons RFC. The new playing colours being black and amber to represent the traditional colours of Newport sporting teams and the blue of the historic Monmouthshire county. The new badge includes three fleur-de-lis derived from the county Flag of Monmouthshire.[45]

Kit

The Dragons kit for the 2022-2023 season is supplied by VX3. Their current 'Headline Sponsor' is Compeed.

Home ground

The region's ground is the 8,700 capacity Rodney Parade ground in Newport, where they play the majority of their home games. Games are occasionally hosted at other grounds in Gwent, such as Pontypool Park[46] or Pandy Park (home of Cross Keys RFC).[47] These are usually pre-season or other fixtures, however occasionally league games are taken elsewhere such as in 2017 when a game against local rivals Cardiff Blues was hosted at the Constructaquote Stadium (formerly Virginia Park), home of Caerphilly RFC, due to a fixture clash with Newport County AFC;[48] and during the 2017/18 season when the Dragons hosted a Pro14 game against Edinburgh Rugby in Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale.[48]

As a part of Judgement Day, each season a home game against a rival Welsh rugby region is hosted at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

In preparation for the 2014–15 season the Newport Gwent Dragons agreed a partnership with Caerphilly County Borough Council for the team and coaching staff to use the CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence as the new training base for the 1st team and all other age grade structures within the region.[49] The small stadium at the centre hosts the home matches of the Dragons U23 side, which competes in the Celtic Cup. Owing to a frozen pitch at Rodney Parade, the CCB Centre hosted a Challenge Cup fixture on 22 January 2023.[50]

Current United Rugby Championship table

2023–24 United Rugby Championship
Team P W D L PF PA PD TF TA TB LB Pts
1Ireland Leinster9702257161+9636205134
2Italy Benetton9711192161+3122222032
3Scotland Glasgow Warriors9603244192+5236196131
4Ireland Ulster9603217208+926302228
5Scotland Edinburgh9603200198+222251126
6South Africa Bulls8503294182+11240214226
7South Africa Stormers9504213163+5026223326
8Wales Ospreys9504203180+2327214125
9Ireland Connacht9504215215024281324
10Ireland Munster9414184153+3123163324
11South Africa Lions8404230175+5529213423
12Wales Cardiff9315227204+2329262521
13Wales Scarlets9207148310–16219412212
14Italy Zebre Parma9117194319–12527463312
15Wales Dragons9207142306–16416420210
16South Africa Sharks9108173206–332325149
If teams are level at any stage, tiebreakers are applied in the following order:[51]
  1. number of matches won;
  2. the difference between points for and points against;
  3. the number of tries scored;
  4. the most points scored;
  5. the difference between tries for and tries against;
  6. the fewest red cards received;
  7. the fewest yellow cards received.
Green background indicates teams that are play-off places and earn a place in the 2024–25 European Champions Cup

Plain background indicates teams that earn a place in the 2024–25 European Challenge Cup.
Q: qualified for play-offs. H: home field advantage secured for quarter-and semi-final. h; home field advantage secured for quarter-final X: cannot reach play-offs. E: qualified for Champions Cup.

    Current squad

    Dragons United Rugby Championship squad[lower-alpha 1]

    Props

    Hookers

    Locks

    Back row

    Scrum-halves

    Fly-halves

    Centres

    Wings

    Fullbacks

    (cc) denotes the team co-captains, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
    * denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
    ST denotes a player signed on a short-term deal.
    L denotes a player on loan at the club.
    Players and their allocated positions from the Dragons website.[52]
    1. ↑ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

    Senior academy

    Dragons Senior academy squad[lower-alpha 1]

    Props

    Hookers

    • Wales Tomoya Adachi

    Locks

    • Wales Nick Thomas

    Back row

    Scrum-halves

    Fly-halves

    • Wales Jack Woods

    Centres

    • Wales Harri Ackerman
    • Wales Tye Davies
    • Wales Oscar Watkins
    • Wales Joe Westwood

    Wings

    • Wales Oli Andrew
    • Wales Ioan Duggan
    • Wales Harry Rees-Weldon

    Fullbacks

    • Wales Oli Woodman
    (c) denotes the team captain, Bold denotes internationally capped players.
    * denotes players qualified to play for Wales on residency or dual nationality.
    Players and their allocated positions from the Dragons website.[53]
    1. ↑ Taking into account signings and departures head of 2023–24 season as listed on List of 2023–24 United Rugby Championship transfers.

    Notable players

    Michael Owen captained Wales in 2005–06 and he led Wales to their first Grand Slam for 27-years in the 2005 Six Nations Championship.

    Lewis Evans has made over 200 appearances for the Dragons. Adam Black, Jamie Ringer, Peter Sidoli, Gareth Wyatt, Steve Jones, Luke Charteris, Wayne Evans, Aled Brew, Ashley Smith, Adam Jones, Hugh Gustafson, Jason Tovey, Robert Sidoli, Phil Price, Adam Hughes, Nic Cudd, Rynard Landman, Matthew Screech and Brok Harris have made over one hundred Dragons appearances. Prop Adam Black became the first centurion in Dragons colours during the 2006–07 season.

    Several former players have been capped by the Wales national rugby union team while with the region; props Chris Anthony and Rhys M. Thomas, hookers Steve Jones and Lloyd Burns, second rows Ian Gough, Luke Charteris, Andrew Coombs, Cory Hill and Will Rowlands, , flankers Jason Forster, Richard Parks, Jamie Ringer, Gavin Thomas and Ross Moriarty, number eight Michael Owen, Rhys Oakley and Taulupe Faletau, scrum halves Gareth Cooper and Andy Williams, outside half Ceri Sweeney, centres Andy Marinos, Tyler Morgan and Nick Tompkins, wingers Gareth Wyatt, Hal Luscombe, Aled Brew, Will Harries, Tom Prydie, Hallam Amos, Jonah Holmes and fullback Kevin Morgan. Percy Montgomery, Sione Tuʻipulotu, Rod Snow, Mike Hercus, Mike Petri, James Arlidge, Will Kelly and Mesake Doge played internationally for their respective countries whilst with the region.

    Of the current players Dan Lydiate, Ollie Griffiths, Leon Brown, Elliot Dee, Aaron Wainwright, Ben Carter, Taine Basham, Rio Dyer, Bradley Roberts and Matthew Screech have featured in Wales test matches whilst with the region, as have Gonzalo Bertranou and Aki Seiuli for Argentina and Samoa respectively. Rhodri Williams and Rhodri Jones achieved Wales international caps before joining the Dragons.

    British & Irish Lions

    The following players have been selected to play for the British & Irish Lions touring squads while playing for the Dragons.

    Player Tours
    Wales Michael Owen 2005 New Zealand
    Wales Gareth Cooper 2005 New Zealand
    Wales Dan Lydiate 2013 Australia
    Wales Taulupe Faletau 2013 Australia
    Wales Cory Hill 2017 New Zealand

    Coaching staff

    Position Name
    Head Coach Wales Dai Flanagan
    General Manager Wales James Chapron
    Skills Coach Wales Matt O’Brien
    Forwards Coach England Luke Narraway
    Forwards Coach Wales Mefin Davies
    Defence Coach Vacant

    Former coaches

    Name Years
    Wales Mike Ruddock 2003–2004
    Ireland Declan Kidney 2004
    Australia Chris Anderson 2004–2005
    Wales Paul Turner 2005–2011
    Wales Darren Edwards 2011–2014
    Wales Lyn Jones 2014
    Wales Kingsley Jones 2014–2017
    Ireland Bernard Jackman 2017–2018
    Wales Ceri Jones (interim) 2018–2019
    England Dean Ryan 2019–2022

    Results and statistics

    Celtic League / Pro12 / Pro14 / United Rugby Championship

    SeasonPlayedWinDrawLossBPPointsPosition
    2003–042216068723rd
    2004–052011096504th
    2005–062270139458th[n 1]
    2006–072080127399th
    2007–081871104348th
    2008–091870115339th
    2009–10188195397th
    2010–1122101117497th
    2011–122271146369th
    2012–1322601642811th
    2013–142271145359th
    2014–1522801410429th
    2015–16224018102610th
    2016–1722401872311th
    2017–182122178206th (Conference B)[n 2]
    2018–192151154266th (Conference B)
    2019–2015[n 3]5192245th (Conference B)
    2020–211660105295th (Conference A)
    2021–2218211591915th
    2022–2318401482415th
    1. ↑ 11 teams were involved in this season, so one team did not play each week and were awarded four points instead. Therefore, each team finished the season with eight more points than the table would seem to warrant.
    2. ↑ The competition was split into two conferences of 7 teams each following the increase from 12 to 14 teams.
    3. ↑ Only 15 rounds were played during the 2019–20 season and 16 rounds during the 2020–21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.[54]

    Celtic Cup

    SeasonRoundMatch
    2003–04 First roundLlanelli Scarlets 40 – 6 Newport Gwent Dragons
    2004–05 Quarter-finalNewport Gwent Dragons 19 – 46 Llanelli Scarlets

    Heineken Cup / European Rugby Champions Cup

    YearPoolPosPlayedWonDrawnLossBonusPts
    2003–04 14th620419
    2004–05 53rd6303315
    2005–06 13rd610526
    2007–08 13rd610548
    2008–09 54th610537
    2009–10 24th610526
    2010–11 64th600622
    2020–21 A12th2[n 1]00200
    1. ↑ Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, only 2 pool games were played during the 2020–21 season.
      The knockout stage commenced with a round of 16 consisting of the top 8 ranked teams from each pool.

      European Challenge Cup / European Rugby Challenge Cup

      YearPoolPosPlayedWonDrawnLossBonusPts
      2006–0711st6501525
      Quarter-finalNewport Gwent Dragons 39 – 17 Brive
      Semi-finalClermont Auvergne 46 – 29 Newport Gwent Dragons
      2011–1243rd6303315
      2012–1333rd6204513
      2013–1422nd6303214
      2014–1531st6501525
      Quarter-finalNewport Gwent Dragons 25 – 21 Cardiff Blues
      Semi-finalEdinburgh 45 – 16 Newport Gwent Dragons
      2015–1622nd6402420
      Quarter-finalGloucester 21 – 23 Newport Gwent Dragons
      Semi-finalMontpellier 22 – 12 Newport Gwent Dragons
      2016–1732nd6303214
      2017–1812nd6303416
      2018–1913rd6204210
      2019–2012nd6402420
      Quarter-finalBristol Bears 56 – 17 Dragons
      2020–21Quarter-finalDragons 39 – 43 Northampton Saints
      2021–22B5th400422
      2022–23B5th4112410
      Round of 16Glasgow Warriors 73 – 33 Dragons

      Anglo-Welsh Cup

      SeasonPoolPosPlayedWonDrawnLossBPPoints
      2005–06D3rd320108
      2006–07D3rd310204
      2007–08A4th301235
      2008–09A3rd310215
      2009–1042nd4301012
      2010–1121st4301012
      Semi-finalGloucester 45–17 Newport Gwent Dragons
      2011–1244th411217
      2012–1313rd420208
      2013–1414th410304
      2014–1513rd4202311
      2016–1713rd410315
      2017–1814th420219

      Honours

      References

      1. ↑ "Newport Gwent Dragons: Club Directory". Archived from the original on 1 May 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
      2. ↑ Archer, Graeme. "Sport". The Daily Telegraph. London. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      3. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      4. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      5. 1 2 "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      6. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      7. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      8. ↑ "Dragons enter administration". BBC News. 12 November 2003. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      9. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      10. 1 2 "Heineken Champions Cup". European Professional Club Rugby.
      11. 1 2 "Magners League Official Website : Stat Attack – League table". Archived from the original on 9 April 2007. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
      12. ↑ "WRU: Wales Coach Archive: Mike Ruddock: 2004 – 2006". Archived from the original on 9 April 2008. Retrieved 6 May 2008.
      13. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      14. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      15. ↑ "Montgomery quits Wales for Sharks". BBC News. 7 April 2005. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      16. ↑ "Snow to retire at end of season". BBC News. 16 March 2005. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      17. ↑ "Dragons 15–24 Overmach Parma". BBC News. 2 June 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      18. ↑ "Luscombe leaves Dragons for Quins". BBC News. 1 April 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      19. ↑ "Dragons 22–15 Calvisano". BBC News. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      20. ↑ "Dragons 15–13 Scarlets". BBC News. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      21. ↑ "Dragons 18–10 Ospreys". BBC News. 6 May 2008. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      22. ↑ "Magners League table". BBC News. 9 August 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2010.
      23. ↑ "Kiwi arrival no issue for Gatland". BBC News. 23 July 2008.
      24. ↑ "Kiwi Willis made Dragons captain". BBC News. 5 August 2008.
      25. ↑ Roberts, Gareth (29 May 2009). "Calvisano 17–42 NG Dragons". BBC News.
      26. ↑ "Magners League : Match Centre : Two-Try Burst Does It for the Blues". Archived from the original on 26 April 2010. Retrieved 28 June 2010.
      27. ↑ "Turner parts company with Dragons". BBC News. 11 February 2011.
      28. ↑ "Pro12: Ex-Ospreys boss Lyn Jones takes over at Dragons". BBC. 10 June 2013.
      29. ↑ "Latest News". Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions.
      30. ↑ "Darren Edwards leaves Dragons coaching role". South Wales Argus.
      31. ↑ "Kingsley Jones pens long-term Dragons deal". South Wales Argus.
      32. ↑ "Challenge Cup: Dragons 25-21 Blues". BBC Sport. 4 April 2015.
      33. ↑ "Challenge Cup semi-final: Edinburgh 45-16 Dragons". 17 April 2015.
      34. ↑ "Dragons defeated by Montpellier in Challenge Cup semi-final". Sky Sports. 23 April 2016.
      35. ↑ WRU buy Rodney Parade.
      36. ↑ "Newport Gwent Dragons' name changed to Dragons". BBC. 20 June 2017.
      37. ↑ Dragons return to private ownership from WRU control as takeover goes through
      38. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      39. ↑ "WalesOnline: News, sport, weather and events from across Wales". www.walesonline.co.uk.
      40. ↑ "Archive news from the South Wales Argus". www.southwalesargus.co.uk.
      41. ↑ Webb, Nick (17 May 2009). "Dragons back Newport in new cup". BBC News.
      42. ↑ "Dragons back Newport in new cup". BBC News. 17 May 2009.
      43. ↑ "Why Rugby Union Is The Best Sport in the World". magnersleague.com. Archived from the original on 26 September 2007.
      44. ↑ Davies, Phil (Autumn 2002). "Rugby in the community" (PDF). Welsh Economic Review. Welsh Economy Research Unit. 14 (2): 13–14. ISSN 0965-2450. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 May 2003.
      45. ↑ "WE ARE DRAGONS RFC". Dragons RFC. 27 June 2022.
      46. ↑ Newport Gwent Dragons 7 – 31 Leeds Carnegie, 22/08/2003. Match Details Archived 18 May 2011 at the Wayback Machine
      47. ↑ Newport Gwent Dragons 14 – 24 Gwent Premiership XV, 13/08/2004. Match Details Archived 17 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine
      48. 1 2 "News Article | Dragons". Archived from the original on 31 October 2018.
      49. ↑ "News Article | Newport Gwent Dragons". Archived from the original on 8 November 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
      50. ↑ "Dragons issue ticket update after frozen Parade pitch forces Euro game to be moved". South Wales Argus. Retrieved 7 April 2023.
      51. ↑ League Format (3) "Competition Rules". United Rugby Championship. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
      52. ↑ "Dragons Squad". Dragons Rugby. Retrieved 25 August 2017.
      53. ↑ "Senior Academy". Dragons Rugby. Retrieved 24 July 2022.
      54. ↑ "Pro14 restart: 2019-20 season resumes with derby weekends". BBC.co.uk. BBC Sport. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 13 August 2020.
      55. ↑ "Cartha / Glasgow City Sevens". 7 June 2019.
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