De Beer given chance to be himself with Dragons

Tinus de Beer spent two seasons with Cardiff before moving to Dragons in 2025

United Rugby Championship: Dragons v Sharks

Venue: Rodney Parade Date: Friday, 3 October Kick-off: 20:05 BST

Coverage: Live on S4C and BBC iPlayer

Tinus de Beer has enjoyed being himself at Dragons after spending much of last season pretending to be others.

The South African fly-half starts against Sharks at Rodney Parade on Friday aiming to help Dragons end a staggering 18-game URC losing streak.

It is a stark contrast to last season when he slipped behind Callum Sheedy in the pecking order at Cardiff - making just four starts - and spent most of his time roll-playing the opposition in training.

"It was a case of putting another jacket on, being in a role as the other team and preparing the boys as well as I could. I felt I did that quite well," said De Beer.

He added: "Whether picked or not, it's about being there for the team and pitching up day in and day out.

"This week at the Dragons we have had boys running the show as if they are the Sharks. It's about how well they can prepare us for what's coming on Friday.

"If everybody buys into that then the team goes forward. If you are negative that is letting the team down and the ultimate goal slips away."

Dragons aim to end 18-game losing run

The short move from Cardiff to Newport gives De Beer the chance to call the shots in the 10 jersey.

Even in defeat at Ulster, the South African made a good first impression with his control, competitive streak and one huge tackle on Michael Lowry.

Now he hopes to help Dragons claim a first URC win since the opening game of last season, not that the squad are talking about it.

"The first time I met with Filo and [attack coach] Matt O'Brien we spoke about how we can take the club forward, we never spoke about past results," said De Beer.

"It was all about a new season, new possibilities and how we can crack on with moving forward.

"It's about how resilient we can be – with a bunch of new boys can we pitch up and make our home crowd and each other proud? Turn those narrow losses into wins and the whole picture changes."

If Dragons are to turn the tables from last season, when they lost 33-30 to Sharks to an 85th-minute try, then they need to match South African physicality.

But there were also signs of expansive rugby in Belfast after scoring three tries with a further two ruled out.

"We want to be a team that makes people come through the gates at Rodney Parade to enjoy running rugby," said De Beer.

"Sharks will come out firing and, like any South African side, pride themselves on their set-piece, physicality and bringing the fight to us."