Ryan admits Warren exit was tough call to make
DRAGONS boss Dean Ryan admits he is “annoyed” at himself for the length of time it took to confirm centre Adam Warren’s end-of-season departure.
One-cap Wales international Warren is one of 16 players leaving Rodney Parade this summer, bringing to an end a seven-year stay in Newport that has seen him make more than 10 appearances.
He made his final one in the clash with the Lions on Saturday.
However, with Max Clark and Sio Tomkinson arriving this summer, there was ultimately no room for Warren, regardless of how consistent he’s been for the Dragons in recent seasons.
“Making calls on players is the hardest part of the job, I wish I didn’t have to do it but it’s the reality of the business,” said director of rugby Ryan.
“They’re horrendous decisions to have to make, but we’re moving towards something where we knew something had to change and sometimes that involves people, really good people.
“All you can do is do your utmost be transparent about the reasons, and in the Adam Warren situation I’m annoyed at myself that it has gone on for a long time because there were other parts of the jigsaw we hadn’t solved.
“That’s where ultimately my respect for him is huge, he’s been a huge ambassador for the club for so long.
“Today will be the hardest day he’s played, to do 80 minutes at that level of physicality with the hardest emotions, outstanding.”
Meanwhile, Edinburgh booked their place in next season’s Champions Cup and reclaimed the 1872 Cup by overcoming a 13-point first-leg deficit with a 28-11 win over Glasgow at Murrayfield.
Edinburgh’s place at Europe’s top table came courtesy of them topping the URC’s Scottish/Italian Shield, finishing with a fourpoint cushion over Glasgow.