THE Dragons are determined to hold onto World Cup stars Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer, but boss Dai Flanagan admits tough conversations are looming with players because of cost-cutting.
The Rodney Parade region will be operating with a budget of £4.5million next season and retaining Wales internationals Wainwright and Dyer is a priority.
Back row forward Wainwright has been linked with a move to Bristol and Leicester, with the 26-year-old able to still play Test rugby if he makes a switch to England due to having 43 caps.
Winger Dyer is also sure to have admirers outside Wales but he has only won 14 caps so would have to put his international career on hold if he leaves.
Tighthead Leon Brown, who is two caps shy of the 25 threshold, has also been linked with Bristol but the Wales prop’s recent injury problems mean he is behind Wainwright and Dyer in the priority list.
The Dragons have to balance the books and that is likely to mean some senior departures and wage cuts.
Wales’ professional clubs are at risk of having their top talent picked off but head coach Flanagan remains hopeful that homegrown stars Wainwright and Dyer will sign fresh terms.
“We have a priority list with those that we are desperate to keep. We need to make sure that we give them the offers and the opportunity to stay,” he said.
“One of my strengths is relationships with people, whether players or agents, and I would like to think I communicate clearly and they all know where they stand.”
That applies for those that are set to be pushed towards the exit or told that they won’t get offered the same terms that they are currently on.
“It was difficult sitting in rooms with players last year and explaining to them how the land lies,” said Flanagan.
“Last year was difficult but it was potentially the first of two or three rounds of tough conversations.
“At the moment I seem to be giving more bad news than good, whether about selection, whether players are staying or whether they are being offered a pay cut.
“I have empathy with the players and will be open transparent and honest – the majority of the squad will know where they stand very soon.”
Flanagan, who is working closely with former Dragons boss and now part-time consultant Paul Turner, will aim to get deals done with his big-hitters before considering recruitment.
Last summer they targeted a lock and agreed a move for Deon Slabbert only for the South African, who is now playing for the Bulls, to have to pull out for family reasons.
A second row forward is likely to still be a priority regardless of how much is left in the pot.
“We have a target list of one or two recruits to go after but that’s only after protecting our current squad,” said Flanagan.
“Recruitment was minimal last year and it will be the same again, so it’s making sure we get the right ones.
“We need to be smart with what we do and we know what we want, we are not going to go after everything.
“We have some very good youngsters in our pathway that will fill some gaps, like they have so far this season, so it’s about supporting them with quality and ambitious players.”
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