Dragons’ academy coach and Newport RFC forwards coach Sam Hobbs has praised the development of the regions youngsters in the Welsh Premiership this season.
Former Cardiff Blues and Dragons prop, Hobbs has been part of the Newport RFC staff this season, winning the Premiership Cup and finishing second in the Indigo Group Premiership.
The Dragons youngsters have impressed in the Welsh Premiership this season, “Coming out of COVID we had about 20 boys who missed two years of rugby, the main objective for those guys this year was to play as many as they could, whether that was with Newport, Ebbw Vale, on loan at RGC or in the Championship.
“It’s been a real positive for us seeing the boys break into the regional set up and playing in the cup finals on TV. It’s not just a positive for the boys at Newport, but for the boys at Ebbw too, Greg Woods used six or seven of our youngster’s week in week out at the start of the season, because of their injury list and they were buying into the development of our boys.
“From our point of view at Newport, you’ve got to give credit to Tyron (Morris), and his coaching staff for being so open to having the academy boys come in. If the boys are released to play, we make them train twice a week like the rest and be part of this squad.
“It’s a good environment for them to play in, there’s pressure games, points on the line and cups to be won. I think that’s the best way that these boys can learn is by being put in these high-pressure games and scenarios.
“You’ve got to look at Will Reed as a great example, he was outstanding for the Dragons in the last two derby games. He flew home from Zebre on a Saturday after playing 10 minutes for the Dragons to play for Newport against Carmarthen Quins on the Sunday. It was good for his development, but he wanted to do that, that’s credit to him and willingness to learn.”
Hobbs will still be involved with Newport RFC next season as they look to challenge for the Premiership title, while keeping an eye on the development of Dragons youngsters coming through.
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