Dragons build new dynasty on old alliances

RHODRI Williams says reliving the past is the secret to success at the Dragons this season.

The scrum-half has been reunited with former Wales U20 half-back partner Sam Davies at Rodney Parade after the playmaker’s move from Ospreys.

Williams and Davies were the star duo as Wales U20 were beaten by England in the 2013 Junior World Cup final.

Current Dragons Elliot Dee, Jack Dixon and Jordan Williams were also in the team back then.

Rhodri Williams said: “Sam has brought a lot of experience to our side. The last time I played with him was with Wales U20. He’s matured a lot since then and definitely more than me!

“The boys have welcomed him well. I have thrown him a few dodgy passes in training, but it’s been going really well between us so far and now we’re looking forward to playing a game.

“Hopefully we can rekindle our partnership. We were successful together at U20 level where we just missed out on a Six Nations Grand Slam and Junior World Cup.

“If we can get anywhere near that sort of level again it would be pretty good.”

Williams joined the Dragons for the start of last season and hopes he and his team can continue their upward curve under new supremo Dean Ryan.

“Hopefully we can build on last year. It was a rollercoaster. We had some highs with beating the Ospreys at home and the Scarlets on Judgement Day,” Williams said.

“But there were also quite a few lows and my season was similar to that of the team. I need to be more consistent this year and I want to learn from my mistakes.

“There is plenty of competition for places here. Sam has Josh Lewis and Arwel Robson breathing down his neck. We’re building for the future and there are comparisons with Bristol when I was there. We’re excited about what we can achieve under Dean and the style of rugby he wants to play.

“Dean wants us to play attacking rugby. There is still structure to it, but that’s why you play the game – to chuck the ball about and have fun.”