Harrison Keddie and Will Rowlands Dragons co-captains

Homegrown back row Keddie, who is closing in on a century of appearances for the Rodney Parade region – remains in the role after leading the team for much of the 2021-2022 season.

And Wales international lock Rowlands, who has made 11 appearances for Dragons RFC, takes his share of the captain’s responsibility for his second full season with the Men of Gwent.

Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan explained that the decision is part of a strategy to expand the on-field leadership group for the new campaign.

“We’ll be running with co-captains this year for two reasons; Will’s got a huge presence in the squad but obviously he’s got huge commitments for Wales, and Harrison has developed as a really strong captain,” said Ryan.

Will Rowlands. Picture: inpho.ie

“Rather than look at one person having to answer everything all the way through, we’re trying to look at that as a bit more of a shared responsibility.

“I want to develop Will’s leadership skills and give him more permission to be the front voice, and Harrison has got natural ability to lead.

“We think it makes us stronger. I don’t think either individual is worried about the title it carried, and it increases the number of people we’ve got making decisions in the heat of the moment.

“We’ve got great decision-makers in people like JJ [Hanrahan] and we know Ross [Moriarty] has captained us at times and brings an energy to the team. We feel that will build nicely with Will and Harrison at the forefront.”

And if both Keddie and Rowlands are on the pitch, Ryan believes they will work together well.

Harrison Keddie

“There’s a team of people responsible for decisions [on the pitch]. Some are making decisions all the time – key decisions at key moments,” he explained.

“Probably in the next 10 weeks there might be one decision that needs to be made at a key time and if they’re both on the field, I’m pretty sure they’ll arrive at it pretty quickly.”

Keddie could miss the trip to Murrayfield due to injury, and Ryan could also be without a number of other players.

“I don’t think any of our injuries will be particularly long-term, but Sam [Davies] is struggling with a bone bruise, Ollie Griffiths is struggling, Harrison Keddie is struggling, Rhodri [Jones] as well, and Rob Evans broke his jaw,” he said.

“But we’re in a fortunate position now where we’re much stronger with the people who come in, so we’re very focused on the 23 who will go against Edinburgh.”