New Dragons chief reveals his plan as Dean Ryan insists he will still coach players

Dai Flanagan has unfinished business to attend to as he steps into his new role as head coach at the Dragons. He was born and bred in the region and still lives there today, but he never played for the Men of Gwent.

Instead his career took him to Pontypridd, Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys ahead of a move into coaching with the Scarlets. Now, after some eight years down in Llanelli, working first with the Academy and then, for the past three seasons, as backs coach, he is taking on a high-profile job with the Dragons he says was just too good to turn down. He will work under Director of Rugby Dean Ryan, with his focus being firmly on day-to-day coaching and bringing the best out in players.

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Born in Caerphilly, Flanagan grew up in Cefn Hengoed and attended Lewis School, Pengam, starting out his rugby journey with Penallta RFC before linking up with Pontypridd, aged 17. He now lives in Ystrad Mynach, just a decent drop kick from the Dragons’ training centre.

“Penallta was my junior club. It’s the club my dad played for and my son plays for now. I was fortunate I went to a great club in Pontypridd and played most of my senior rugby there. I do feel I have got a bit of unfinished business in this region because I never played for the region,” he said.

“I did sign for Newport and I thought that was my time to come home, but then the opportunity came along to start my next career by going to the Scarlets, so I retired from playing that summer. Being part of the Dragons is one thing I can tick off now and really strive to make this region better. It was tough leaving the Scarlets. I had some good times down there and there are a lot of