By Paul Jones
Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan has called on European rugby to establish clear rulings surrounding close contacts as his team continues to be decimated by Covid-19.
The Dragons are in France tonight at Bordeux-Begles just a day after Top 14 giants Toulon refused to play at the Scarlets because of infection fears.
That fixture was postponed, but doesn’t like being replayed and it’s expected the Scarlets will be awarded the points and a 28-0 victory.
Ryan lost six players on the morning of his side’s Champions Cup defeat by Wasps last weekend due to them either testing positive for Coronavirus or being deemed a close contact.
He has since seen two more members of his squad test positive. It follows the men from Rodney Parade being forced into a two-week quarantine period last month after a string of Covid cases.
Ryan is seeking clarity from EPCR – the tournament which runs the Heineken Champions Cup and European Challenge Cup – over their rulings surrounding close contacts.
A thought for our friends at the Scarlets. The circumstances mean that we cannot travel to Llanelli. The feast of rugby will be in our hearts Friends of Toulon pic.twitter.com/gShptQa7Vz
— Leis Amigo e Ami Doù Rubi (@AmigoLeis) December 16, 2020
“There are a number of different criteria surrounding exposure rates,” he said.
“We’ve had certain players ruled out for certain exposure and then we’ve found out that wasn’t consistent with EPCR and other countries.
“We’re seeking some clarity on the criteria on close contacts because I’m learning it’s not a consistent application across countries. It has a significant impact in a tournament like this.
“We are seeking assurances over how we can be consistent with other members of the tournament.
“The reality is there isn’t parity across countries, but you’d ask for consistency. We need better communication on how the criteria will be applied across everybody.”
Ryan’s team are now down to their bare bones for Saturday’s trip to Bordeaux. “We’ve two further positives in the playing squad and one member of staff,” he said.
“It will not impact us going into the weekend, but we’re without eight to 10 players who are not available. It’s a difficult situation for everybody and it’s having a huge impact on the community.”
Wales hooker Elliot Dee has returned to boost the Dragons’ chances of keeping their Heineken Champions Cup hopes alive this evening.
The region simply must triumph against the Top14 flyers to have any chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Ryan has made a total of seven changes for the Round two clash at the Stade Chaban-Delmas.
Speedster Rio Dyer comes into a back line that also features recalls for centre Jack Dixon and scrum half Tavis Knoyle, who will partner captain Sam Davies at half back.
Lock Joe Davies links up with Joe Maksymiw in the second row while a new-look back row sees Huw Taylor play blindside. Lewis Evans moves into the No.8 jersey.
The final change is a return for prop Lloyd Fairbrother. Following a close contact review, that has been approved by Public Health Wales, the tight-head has been released to play.
Back row James Benjamin and prop Conor Maguire are named among the replacements. Exciting young centre Aneurin Owen is also included in the matchday squad and could make his senior debut for Dragons in France.
NEW-LOOK TONIGHT
We’ll be carrying a very special message across our chest in this evening… ⤵️
#Rise #BringYourFire #UBBvDRA pic.twitter.com/CR5z2ReKV4
— Dragons (@dragonsrugby) December 19, 2020
“We’re excited about this weekend and more action in the Heineken Champions Cup. It’s an enormous challenge and one we are looking forward to facing,” said Ryan.
“Bordeaux are a traditional French team in that they are enormous up front, but they are also very well marshalled.
“French sides are always very powerful, but often want to play an unstructured game. However, Bordeaux are quite organised and play the kicking game well too.
“Around set-piece, drive and ball carrying it’s a big challenge for us at the weekend.”
