Dragons top job 'not my first rodeo' - Tiatia

Filo Tiatia had four successful seasons at Ospreys, twice winning the Magners League

United Rugby Championship: Cardiff v Dragons

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park Date: Saturday, 30 November Kick-off: 17:15 GMT

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Sounds, plus live text on the BBC Sport website and app. Highlights on S4C.

Filo Tiatia says he is adapting after being promoted to head coach at Dragons, following the departure of his "good mate" Dai Flanagan.

The pair played together at Ospreys, with Flanagan bringing Tiatia to Rodney Parade as defence coach in May this year.

But with Flanagan leaving the region "by mutual agreement", the former New Zealand number eight has been put in interim charge.

"The decision has been made and we’re adapting," said Tiatia, ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship (URC) derby against Cardiff.

"It’s out of my control, it’s out of the player's control, the reason is the reason, it’s really an opportunity for everyone to be galvanised, to move forward and that’s what we’re doing."

Tiatia, 53, worked as head coach at Toyota Verblitz and Sunwolves in Japan and spent time as forwards and assistant coach with the Japan national side.

He also had stints in Super Rugby as forwards coach for Moana Pasifika and Auckland Rugby.

"This is not my first rodeo," he said.

When asked what he brings to the role, Tiatia instead invited the press to a Dragons training session.

"Spend a couple of days with us and then you’ll be able to see," he said.

"I’m not someone to say what I am, I’m a humble man, I’m really clear on where I’m from. I’m Samoan, born in New Zealand, but I’m here to help a group collectively to be better.

"I’ve left my wife and my children back in New Zealand, but really clear on why I’ve come here."

A fearsome competitor on the pitch, Tiatia says he is all about driving up standards "and selling belief" with the men of Gwent.

He has his work cut out with Dragons currently languishing in 15th in the URC, having only won one game in six.

They return to action after the international break on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff Arms Park for the east Wales derby.

"We’ve got a lot of work to do and we’re excited to play against Cardiff this weekend, they’re a good side and results show they’re a good side," Tiatia said.

"I remember playing against Cardiff when I played for the Ospreys; they’re special games, when players have an opportunity to play against local rivals just up the road."

Tiatia is encouraged by Dragons' young talent, the likes of Oli Burrows, Harri Ackerman, Sam Scarfe and Nick Thomas, saying they are "a pleasure to work with".

"I’m not a coach that’s about winning, I’m a coach that’s around winning moments and growth," Tiatia said.

"I know sport at professional level is about winning and - don’t get me wrong - I want to win.

"The key thing is we need to give young guys an opportunity, because if you keep playing some of the senior players they are going to break.

"Some boys will be ready, some boys not quite ready yet, but it’s really being courageous in some of our selections.

"We don’t have money like Leinster, that’s just where we’re at, we’re trying to utilise the resources we have and the people we have."

One senior player that Tiatia could possibly have on his books is Scott Williams.

The 58-cap Wales centre has been training with Dragons after leaving Scarlets last season.

"Scotty is in the environment at the moment and he has some aspirations and we’re really keen to try and help him achieve those," Tiatia added.

"Dai brought him in here and I’m a loyal man and trying to honour things that he wanted to achieve.

"We’d love to have him [Williams], but we’ve got a salary cap that’s a bit of a challenge, we’ll see how we go."