Kingsley Jones Q&A: Why I’m convinced a WRU takeover can work for the Dragons
It’s been a turbulent season for the Dragons both on and off the field and there are yet more challenging times ahead. They are in real danger of finishing in the bottom two of the PRO12 for only the second time in their history, having won just four of their 20 league matches. And the very future of the organisation is on the line, amid controversial plans for a takeover by the Welsh Rugby Union.
Rugby correspondent SIMON THOMAS caught up with head coach Kingsley Jones to reflect on the season and get his thoughts on the prospect of Union control. Q: You knew this was going to be a challenging season when you took over as number one from Lyn Jones. But how hard have you found it personally? A: Well, I think if you go into something with your eyes open, it makes it a bit easier, because you have to put things in perspective.
It has been a real hard season, there’s no getting away from that. There have been days where you just look at it and moments when you think how are we going to get that win? But I can tell you now, by Sunday night I’ve convinced myself that we are going to win the next game. I might be mad, but I have to come in here on Monday and believe we are going to win. Because if I don’t these boys aren’t going to.
I find a way by looking at the opposition and looking at what we’ve done, I look at positives and think how we can improve on the negatives. I have to find a way to believe we are going to win next week.
You have to tell yourself that you’ve done certain things well. We are getting better, we are being competitive, as we showed on Judgement Day. The inconsistencies are the things. Q: The vote by Newport RFC shareholders on the proposed WRU takeover of the region and Rodney Parade is set for May 9. As that draws closer, does it begin to play on people’s minds here? A: I don’t get into conversations with the players about it. Our chief executive Stuart Davies has given them updates on what’s going on. Hopefully things will go the right way. I am sure there is a tiny bit of doubt or anxiety about what’s happening. But there is a feeling here that whatever the outcome of the vote, there will be a regional team playing rugby next year. Q: If there is a yes vote, how do you view the prospect of the Dragons being under Union control? A: I am excited about it. That’s why I am sat here talking to you now because I see the positives, I see the opportunity. I really, really want to help this region climb up the table. It’s a job, but I can get a job, to be honest with you. I really want to help Gwent Dragons get up the league and I think there’s a chance to do that. From the conversations I have had and the meetings I have been involved in, the WRU want this to work.
They will want this to be “look what we’ve done to the Dragons”. They are not about failure, I am convinced of that.
As I say, that is why I am sat here. I am convinced the Union will do everything in their power to ensure it’s successful. Q: Would it be the case that there would be X amount more money for you to spend on players? A: I don’t know about the exact spend, but I just see there will be support, in