Dragons boss travels for scent of Kiwi blood

Mar 29 2008 by Delme Parfitt, South Wales Echo

DRAGONS coach Paul Turner has explained how he hopes to reap the rewards from his recent scouting trip to New Zealand before too long.

Turner went Down Under with chief executive Gethin Jenkins to assess potential recruits in person.

And as his side prepare for the Magners League visit of Glasgow tomorrow, the former Wales fly-half spoke of his optimism that the Dragons may at last bring in some recruits of real stature.

Turner said: “I spoke to players out there at the back end of January and the beginning of February and always felt it would be a better statement if we travelled there to see them.

“There are different agendas, some are signed up with their countries, Super 14 or NPC and we’ve got to wade through that and see if they are available due to work permits and legal qualifications.

“But we have got to state our ambition, and the organisation has done that with the ground redevelopment.

“We have had to replace players we’ve lost and state our intent.”

Dragons captain Colin Charvis believes a major overseas signing or two would be a real fillip.

“There are not many people who get to 30 and are still playing great rugby but are not required by their national squads and are still available,” he said.

“It’s getting the balance right with players who have a great work ethic. The odd one seeks a retirement fund but others want to work hard.”

Dragons (v Glasgow, h): K Morgan; G Wyatt, R Gomer-Davies, A Smith, R Fussell; A Thomas, A Williams; A Black/D Pattison, S Jones, R Thomas; A Jones, L Charteris; J Bearman, J Ringer, C Charvis (c). Reps: B Daly, G Robinson/AN Other, P Sidoli, M wen, P Emerick, M Thomas, W Evans.