By guest columnist Peter Ryan

 

The new season is rapidly approaching, and it won’t be long before the regions take to the field once again.

Despite a disappointing United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign last season, which saw them finish last, the Dragons are gearing up for a promising season with a host of new signings.

This influx of fresh talent, including the South African playmaker Tinus de Beer, brings a wave of optimism to Rodney Parade. The Dragons are on the brink of a new era, and the potential for success is palpable.

Tinus de Beer: Mr Consistent

A fly-half with a wealth of experience, de Beer has had a fascinating career.

Fierce in the tackle and forceful with the ball in hand, he adds yet another weapon with his booming long-range kicking game. Prior to arriving in Cardiff, he ran out for teams like the Blue Bulls, Griquas, and Pumas, competing in the Currie Cup.

Then, ahead of the 2023/24 season, de Beer made the move to the Welsh capital.

He quickly endeared himself to the Cardiff faithful. During his first year with the club, he only missed two games and was a calming presence with ball in hand and at the tee.

The South African was highly regarded by both fans and players alike. That season, de Beer took home the Fans’ Player of the Season and Players’ Player of the Season awards.

His second year at the club marked the arrival of Callum Sheedy, and his minutes decreased. As Ioan Lloyd settles into the Arms Park, the short trip east to the Dragons feels like a move written with purpose.

Stats

His statistics from last season don’t reflect his quality. Yet, when you look at the previous time he was a regular starter, de Beer was sensational.

In the 2023/24 season, the fly-half tallied 118 points, which was third in the league. With the ball in hand, de Beer surged for 551 metres across 126 carries. Without it, he was unyielding, completing 149 tackles at an 81% success rate.

The evidence is clear that if given the number ten jersey, he can produce. He knows how to pull the strings and unlock weapons in a backline.

Last season, the Dragons struggled with game management; de Beer’s experience will definitely help with this. Both parties have something to prove heading into the 2025/26 season, so expect fierce displays at Rodney Parade.

Expected a much-improved Dragons

The Dragons, with their steadfast support and deserved results, are a team on a mission.

After a fantastic recruitment drive over the summer, they are an inspiring prospect. The key to their success will be securing a win in the opening game.

The challenge of facing Ulster is tough, but not insurmountable. A victory here will set the tone for the season, leading into two matchups against the Sharks and Glasgow Warriors. Bolstered by hard-earned experience, they carry the fire needed to compete.

The likes of Thomas Young, Wyn Jones, and Dillon Lewis will bring a lot to the team. Last year, they proved as a team that they know how to put points on the board; the experience will take them to the next level.

Everyone should feel like they have something to prove, and you can expect them to look greatly improved this season. Fire burns in the Dragons, on the field and in the stands, and the true test will be whether that passion can be forged into victory.

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