Dai Flanagan leaves Dragons with immediate effect after poor start

Dai Flanagan has left the Dragons with immediate effect following a poor start to the season.

Flanagan had taken over at Rodney Parade following the departure of Dean Ryan just one game into the 2022/23 season and it was hoped the Gwent side would kick on this term.

However, following a win over the Ospreys on the first weekend of the season, the Dragons have now gone five games without a win and are just one place from bottom in the URC table.

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Filo Tiata, who joined the club as defence coach in the summer, will take interim charge while the Dragons look for a permanent successor. However, further statements regarding the coaching team are to follow.

The Dragons wrote in a statement: "The decision has been mutually agreed by all parties following extensive discussions regarding the club’s performance and future direction

“We thank Dai for his contribution, professionalism, and dedication to Dragons RFC throughout his time at the club and wish him and his family well for the future.

“Filo Tiatia will now take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching staff. Dragons RFC will make further announcements on the coaching team going forward in due course.”

Flanagan oversaw just 10 wins from his 48 games in charge, which is the worst record of any Dragons boss since the team was formed more than 20 years ago.