Dai Flanagan leaves role as Dragons RFC head coach

Dai Flanagan has left his role as Dragons RFC head coach, with the region languishing in 15th in the United Rugby Championship.

Flanagan, 39, will be replaced by former New Zealand international Filo Tiatia, who takes over the position on an interim basis.

The Newport-based Dragons said the decision to part ways with Flanagan was “mutually agreed by all parties following extensive discussions regarding the club’s performance and future direction”.

Flanagan, who hails from Cefn Hengoed and is a former Penallta RFC youth player, was first appointed Dragons head coach in June 2022.

He joined having previously worked as a backs coach with the Scarlets, a team he had a brief spell as interim head coach with in 2021.

During his playing career, he played fly-half for Cardiff Blues and later the Ospreys.

He also had spells at Pontypridd, where he spent a large chunk of his career, before finishing his playing days at Newport.

In a statement, Dragons RFC said: “We thank Dai for his contribution, professionalism, and dedication to Dragons RFC throughout his time at the club and wish him and his family well for the future.

“Filo Tiatia will now take charge of the team as interim head coach, supported by the current coaching staff.

“Dragons RFC will make further announcements on the coaching team going forward in due course.”