Dai Flanagan: Warren Gatland has sparked debate on regions, says Dragons coach
- Published
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan in conversation with Warren Gatland (left) and Wales attack coach Alex King (centre)
Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan says Warren Gatland's comments about regional rugby have created a debate.
Wales coach Gatland said Welsh regional rugby feels like a "sinking ship" and that he is not 100% convinced a much-needed reset will happen.
Flanagan says he met with Gatland on Wednesday and the subject was discussed.
"We talked through multiple things including his comments that made the press," said Flanagan.
Gatland also stated the regions should look at improving their infrastructure and backroom staff rather than concentrating initially on signing players.
"I've got a good relationship with Warren," said Flanagan.
"He said certain things he didn't think would get out of hand because Warren wants what's best for rugby.
"What probably has come off the back of it... it does drop a seed and build discussion points around our pathway and facilities. It does make us think.
"We believe we are on the right track, and Warren does as well. It's just sometimes certain things get, not misled but said, and maybe taken to the edge."
Flanagan added: "It was great last night to have three or four hours to show him our organisational chart and how we are looking to overfund certain areas off the field.
"It's been tough this season. We've had to under-resource things for budgetary reasons so we can now put our foot in the ground and move forward.
"That's what excites me, the ability to share that, and also for me to seek the advice of someone like Warren Gatland, who is a European champion at club level and won a lot of games with his club in New Zealand and Grand Slams."
Flanagan says the new Welsh coaching group have been proactive with Dragons.
"I wouldn't say we speak all the time and regularly," said Flanagan.
"I can speak really highly of Mike Forshaw (Wales' defence coach).
"When he's in, he's in. He takes his jacket off, gets his laptop out and he's in meetings. Things like that will only get better the stronger the relationship is.
"That's on us, that's on Warren and his staff to build these relationships so we are all in it together. So the behaviour and the alignment comes through for the players to see.
"That'll take time. There's new head coaches at the regions over the last two years and a full new coaching staff with Wales.
"Can we get better? Of course. Does it need it need to be more consistent? Of course.
"My door is always open, and I do know Wales' door is always open. It's on both parties to walk through the doors."
'Extremely confident' about next season
Dragons are struggling with results again this season with only three victories in 14 games but Flanagan says he is "extremely confident" there will be more victories next season.
"Our youngsters are going to be a further step along the line," said Flanagan.
"We are going to add in a lot of quality around the park for us that I believe we are missing.
"There'll be a first chance to see the squad that I would like to build, a style of play and personnel.
"It'll be my stamp. If I wasn't confident in what I can achieve here then I wouldn't be here.
"I won't speak too much about what it was like before I arrived but since I've been here we are at our strongest point right now that I've felt since I've started the job.
"There's been a lot of hard work and certain individuals have been stretched wide to get us to this point, but we are very stable.
"You build houses on foundations, and our foundations now are at the strongest I've seen them since I arrived."
Gatland added: "I had a good meeting with Dai last night over a few bits and pieces. He's very much of the same view he's got to get things right at the Dragons.
"Everyone knows they've underperformed but I feel like in some ways that they're a little bit of a sleeping giant.
"If they get things right, there's a massive opportunity for an uplift in them as a region going forward.
"He's fully aware he has to get the right people involved in his set-up and infrastructure.
"That's the only way they've got a chance of being successful. Not only that, if you've got the right things there then you've got the chance of attracting top quality players."