TO those who may be dismayed that Newport Gwent Dragons are now, barring an absolute miracle, out of the running for a Heineken Cup place next season, I would urge them not to be dismayed.

There are some excellent teams in the Amlin Challenge Cup competition from England and France and while it obviously doesn’t have the same standing as the Heineken Cup, it can, nevertheless, provide a catalyst for better things.

The Dragons played in it under a different name then back in season 2006-07, they won games, triumphed in France for the first time when they beat Bayonne and progressed to the semi-finals. There is nothing like winning whatever the competition may be, and the fans got behind the team, supported them in greater numbers and the season was more enjoyable for it. And there promises to be different trips for the fans to get excited about next season. A weekend in a place like La Rochelle wouldn’t be too bad would it?

The Dragons have a young and well qualified management team headed by Darren Edwards backed up by Danny Wilson, Rob Appleyard and Shaun Connor, they have a clear development plan and playing in the Amlin Challenge could be no bad thing. Apart from that, Tony Brown is back on the board and the administration is looking far sounder while the new stand and hospitality area should give the whole ground a lift in time for next season.

Edwards is also keen for major improvements to be made in training facilities which can better serve and develop the players. And recruitment looks like being of a different calibre during the close season with respect to those who have been signed in the recent past.

Strength in depth remains a problem – just look at Leinster bringing on Jamie Heaslip and Nathan Hines on Sunday. But all is not lost and all is certainly not gloomy.