Dragons explore options for new 'world-class' traning base

The Rodney Parade club have been based at the Caerphilly County Borough Centre for Sporting Excellence since 2014.

The facility is a big upgrade on those that the Dragons used when moving around locations in the region but they need upgrading and the site is small.

That has led to the new owners, who took over from the Welsh Rugby Union last September, assessing what could be done.

“We are looking at options but we are not that far advanced with it,” said David Buttress, co-owner with chairman David Wright and Hoyoung Huh.

“There are a few options in and around Newport as well as the Ystrad Mynach site where we currently train.

The Dragons' training base in Ystrad Mynach (Image: PA)

“There are a few ideas and, in reality, we’ve got to go out and have various conversations over the next three to six months but we want to create a world-class training facility for the players.

“We know that will help develop success on the pitch and we know that we should invest in that – [Wales head coach] Warren Gatland was right in what he said about the importance of investing in off-field areas.

“There is no problem with extending the lease for Ystrad Mynach but for me it’s more a case of what ‘great’ would look like.

“You look at some of the training facilities that professional rugby teams have, the likes of Bristol and Leinster, and that helps them become successful.

“We know that we can’t stay as we are, our facility needs updating and investment or we need somewhere new. We are open-minded and will look at the options.”

Newport County AFC, who split their time between Spytty Park and Dragon Park in the city plus USW Sports Park in Treforest, are also looking to improve their training facilities.

“If we could make it work then it would make sense to do something together,” said Buttress.

“However, we are at such an early stage of the process that there is nothing of substance to talk to [Exiles chairman] Huw Jenkins about.

“It makes total sense for Newport County and us to work together more – I do love the County and want them to be unbelievably successful, and under Huw I think they will be.

“I feel optimistic about where they are heading, after stabilising this season I hope they can kick on.

“I’d love to see them in League One and then hopefully in time Huw would be able to realise his ambition to get them up into the Championship, which would be an incredible achievement.”

The Dragons and County are finalising a new 10-year rolling lease – an EFL requirement – and are keen for a more simple, clear agreement.