IT’S been an interesting experience taking my first steps into coaching with Newport this season and it makes things even more enjoyable when part of a winning team.

It’s been a great first half of the Principality Premiership for us Black and Ambers. Having an ambitious group of players is exactly what we need with a management who are hoping to change perceptions about Newport after finishing bottom last year - and I think we have done that.

It is great to see players developing and so many individuals rising to the challenge. Our record of eight wins from 12 games so far is fantastic and we have been playing a good brand of rugby with nine four-try bonus points so far.

We are determined to keep it going and to see where we can end up with a big game to end the year against Cross Keys, who we are level on points with at the top of the table, at Pandy Park on Boxing Day. It’s always a big derby but the prize of heading into 2016 as leaders makes it even more exciting.

I’d love to name a few players who have been stars for us so far this season but if I name one I would have to list so many – I don’t want to miss anyone out! It’s been a team effort so far but we know there is plenty more hard work to do.

 

We’ve been grafting hard at Newport Gwent Dragons as well as we attempt to follow up last weekend’s win against Munster.

The Guinness Pro12 is important to us but we are desperate to do well in the European Challenge Cup again.

We want to express ourselves against Pau tomorrow afternoon and score some tries. I am sure the team selection will show that positive mentality to not only win but go for a second bonus-point win at home after beating Sale in round one.

Last year we had a perfect December with four wins out of four and it would be great to repeat that feat.

It was an important win against a strong Munster side – plenty of people have said they are weakened but I’ve said before that the teams at the top of the table are there because of their squad, not because they have a good XV.

We knew that what they lacked in experience they made up in enthusiasm.

We needed a good performance and produced one with a big defensive effort and patience in attack, eventually securing the win thanks to Rynard Landman’s score at the death.

I’d like to think that I played my part but it was frustrating to be forced off after 50 minutes after landing awkwardly when catching an up and under.

I also had five stitches and the back of my head glued after a blow at the end of the first half – a nice welcome back after three weeks on the sidelines with a calf issue.

It’s meant I’ve had a bit of stick from the rest of the squad and even the coaching staff this week but there’s nobody more frustrated than me. With my coaching hat on I know how annoying it is when a player is unable to train or play but it’s part of being a rugby player and something I always say to youngsters coming through.

The perks of being a professional are great and I love playing my sport for a living but some people don’t realise how mentally tough the negatives can be.

Injuries, even more so for guys like Patrick Leach and Andrew Coombes, are the most frustrating things we can experience and only just second to non-selection.

All of the negatives can play on your mind all the time but it does make you appreciate the good times even more.

You get the occasional banter from mates outside of rugby, referring to it as a hobby! Getting paid to do what you love is always something that I always try to emphasise in my Life Education work.

Tomorrow is a chance to once again show what we are capable of against quality French opposition and with another positive attacking mentality we’ll all have plenty to enjoy this weekend.

 

The announcement of Toby Faletau leaving for Bath is a big moment in Welsh rugby with another international leaving to play across the border.

Toby has obviously been a superstar on the national scene and a great servant to the club. It is almost like the Dragons have become a victim of their own success when we manage to get players in the national squad and shop window for other clubs to see their abilities.

When bigger clubs offer better financial rewards and facilities and play in the Champions Cup in Europe it is a decision that most players only can dream of.

It happened four years ago after the World Cup and when a few players left for pastures new after doing so well. All we can do now is wish Toby the best when playing next season and support his decision.