Aneurin Owen admits the Dragons are relishing getting back home and getting stuck into a massive opening month of the season in Newport – with tickets on sale NOW!
The countdown to the new BKT United Rugby Championship campaign gathered pace this week as tickets went on sale for the opening half of the season – including a blockbuster October in Newport.
The Men of Gwent welcome Hollywoodbets Sharks (October 3) plus local rivals Cardiff Rugby (October 17) and Ospreys (October 25) for a massive opening block of games.
“The season is coming fast,” smiled Owen. “One second you have done last season and then the new one is just around the corner.
“Everyone is excited, there is a mentality to right the wrongs of last season with the squad we have got.
“The first block is massive,” he added. “We are building nicely in pre-season to take things into that period.
“If we can get off to a positive start in those first few games, especially that opening month at home, it builds momentum for the rest of the season.
“The fans have always been brilliant. Rodney Parade is always my favourite place to play, the best in the league with the atmosphere and excitement they create around match days. It is unbelievably good.
“Boys love playing there and we’re all looking forward to getting home, especially a lot of the new lads who can experience it for a first time. It is an exciting prospect.”
Vice-captain Owen enjoyed a stellar 24/25 season that saw the centre lead the side on many occasions and named the Dragon Signs Tony Brown Player of the Season. He was also shortlisted for the URC Next-Gen Player of the Season.
But the 24-year-old – who has now played 71 games for the club – is keen to kick on.
“I want to be fit and healthy first up, and then it is about taking my game to another level,” he stated.
“I’ve been working on some areas, always trying to get better, and I want to build on last season.
“You always need competition in places, you can’t allow anyone to get complacent, and we certainly have that in the centres.
“It’s been good for me to see new lads coming in and Fetuli (Paea) has been great, we get on well and he offers something different.
“Ackers (Harri Ackerman) and Westy (Joe Westwood) are both fit, training well, and we’ve got Dai (Richards) who’s been impressing at Newport.
“There is some good competition a centre which I always welcome.
“Pre-season is always tough physically and there has been a lot of change too, with new staff and boys here,” he concluded.
“They’ve bedded in well and brought a lot of quality, so it is exciting to get going.
“It’s been good to get to know everyone, build those connections off the field, but on the field, it has been competitive as well with boys pushing each other from the start and the quality is clear.
“It makes the squad healthy, everyone competing for places, and there is a real variety and depth here now.”
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Boys love playing there and we’re all looking forward to getting home, especially a lot of the new lads who can experience it for a first time. It is an exciting prospect...
