Dragons young guns cleared for Newport's Premiership final

The Black and Ambers travel to Church Bank (kick-off 2.40pm) aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2004.

They head to Llandovery on a 15-game winning streak courtesy of a 48-16 hammering of Ebbw Vale in the semi-finals.

A pair of up-and-coming Dragons players were on the scoresheet with centre Joe Westwood, whose strong running was a feature all evening, crossing for a hat-trick and scrum-half Che Hope darting over after a lively display.

They were in the United Rugby Championship squad last time out, featuring off the bench against Connacht.

Lock Barny Langton-Cryer, a Newport player who has linked up with the Dragons, was also in the matchday 23 to face the Irish province as a late call-up.

The Dragons host the Stormers on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm) but the trio are set to be cleared to concentrate on Black and Ambers action.

“There will be a balancing act and we will do what is best for the players and the region,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.

“I’d like to get Morgan Lloyd (another promising scrum-half who has been playing for Pontypool) his debut, so there may be an opportunity this week while we have four centres fit, so Westy might not come in.

“You don’t play many finals in a career and mine with Pontypridd were days that I remember, but they also have a job to do for the region and some might have to double up.”

The Dragons’ fixture slot also means that Matt O’Brien, who is the region’s backs coach, will be able to pull the strings for Newport at Church Bank.

Newport full-back David Richards (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

The Black and Ambers’ matchday squad to face the Steelmen also included full-back David Richards, loosehead Josh Reynolds and tighthead Nathan Evans.

Newport have profited from putting in promising prospects alongside a core of experienced players – the likes of Josh Skinner, O’Brien, Elliot Frewen, Rhys Jenkins – and The Dragons boss believes the other Gwent pair can enjoy similar rewards in next season’s Elite Domestic Competition.

“I have a good relationship with all three head coaches,” said Flanagan. “Newport have capitalised this year and a lot of their players will transition into our squad next season.

“I am sure one of the other clubs will capitalise next year because the semi-pro clubs have to go through some pain with the youngsters, then they get the rewards just before they move up to regional rugby.

“Look at Owen Conquer and Harry Rees-Weldon at Ebbw Vale, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths and Sam Scarfe, Huw Anderson, Walker Price at Pontypool – they will flourish and go on to become the best players in the league.”