Dragons Release 16 Players

Newport Gwent Dragons have released 16 players from their contracts as the club go in search of a new-look after a disappointing 2010/11 season.

The club could only muster 7th place in this year’s Magners League competition, and missed out on the end of season play-offs.

Now the group of 16 – including Matthew Watkins and Nathan Brew who still maintained outside hopes of wearing the Welsh World Cup Shirt  later this year – have been forced to search for a new club away from Rodney Parade next season.

The cull comes as coach Darren Edwards begins his first post-season with the club having joined last season, and director of rugby, Robert Beale, was keen to thank all 16 players for their efforts during their time at the club.

"It is a part of rugby that the end of each season sees a certain amount of player movement” he said.

"These players have all put in a great deal of effort for the Dragons and we would like to thank them for the commitment they have shown to the region during their time here." He added.

Flanker Joe Bearman had already announced a new deal with league rivals the Osprey’s, while Duane Goodfield is due to retire, with Rhodri Gomer Davies also leaving.

Props Ali McKenzie and Pat Palmer, hookers Arthur Ellis and Craig Attwell, locks Rhydian Wilson and Adam Brown, number eight James Thomas, centre Tom Cooper, flanker James Davies, scrum-half Nicky Griffiths and Canadian full-back Matt Evans have also been released.