Pontypool praised for helping duo make mark for Dragons

Wing Rosser has followed in the footsteps of older brother Jared by featuring for the Rodney Parade club in the United Rugby Championship this season.

The 22-year-old from Abersychan made his debut against Munster in Cork and has gone on to make five appearances, including a start in the derby win against the Ospreys.

“Ewan has really stood up and the brothers are different,” said Dragons head coach Flanagan, who fielded the younger Rosser against both the Sharks and Lions in South Africa.

“Jared is a very big man who loves coming in off his wing and call carrying while Ewan is more a link player.

“He went over and above what we thought he would do against the Ospreys. He raced around the corner and is an ex-sevens player who is super-fit making lots of touches.”

Loosehead Kelleher-Griffiths is yet to make his Dragons debut but, with Argentina international Rodrigo Martinez and Josh Reynolds injured, was called up for the tour to South Africa to back up the senior duo of Rhodri Jones and Aki Seiuli.

Flanagan believes the prop and Rosser have reaped the rewards of getting time with Pooler, firstly helping the club to the Championship title and promotion before experiencing the Premiership with Leighton Jones’ side.

Ewan Rosser looks to jink through for the Dragons against the Sharks in Durban (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It's nice that we can see these boys coming through and when they go against each other in training it will be interesting,” said Flanagan.

“I can't speak highly enough of our semi-pro teams. Yes, the jump is big but the way we are working together with our teams to give opportunities.

“You can see it with Dylan who has been unbelievable, he’s putting himself about and flying into everything.

“You don't do that unless you play 30 games. I can only be grateful for how good our semi pro clubs have been for our development.”

Rosser has scored six tries in 12 games for Pooler while regular Wales Under-20s international Kelleher-Griffiths has made 16 outings, with an impressive four tries.

Pontypool boss Jones said before the South Africa tour: “We are delighted to see the boys recognised for the performances that we have witnessed throughout their time here.

“From the moment they joined the club, they have bought into everything we do and have become important players in the squad.

“We’ve had a few boys from the Dragons and I can’t fault their attitude or commitment to the team and they fit in perfectly.

“It is not just their talent that we appreciate but also who they are as people and we are pleased to play a part in their development, both on the field and off it.”

Pooler have also fielded full-back Huw Anderson, wing Walker Price and scrum-half Morgan Lloyd while Newport RFC are giving game time to the likes of scrum-half Che Hope, centres Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood, wing Oli Andrew and flanker George Young.

Back rower Kobi Rees, centre Cam Davies, wing Harry Rees-Weldon and prop Morgan Williams are with Ebbw Vale.