Tiatia Takes Interim Head Coach Role at Dragons, Emphasizes Experience

Filo Tiatia previously enjoyed four successful seasons with Ospreys, securing the Magners League title on two occasions. 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 has stated he is adjusting to his new role as head coach at Dragons, a promotion that followed the exit of his “good mate” Dai Flanagan. The two had previously played together at Ospreys, and Flanagan was responsible for bringing Tiatia to Rodney Parade as defence coach in May this year. However, following Flanagan’s departure from the region “by mutual agreement”, the former New Zealand number eight has been appointed to interim charge. “The decision has been made and we’re adapting,” Tiatia commented, prior to Saturday’s United Rugby Championship (URC) derby match 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, aged 53, previously served as head coach for Toyota Verblitz and Sunwolves in Japan, and also held positions as forwards and assistant coach with the Japan national side. Additionally, he had periods in Super Rugby as forwards coach for Moana Pasifika and Auckland Rugby. “This is not my first rodeo,” he stated. When questioned about his contributions to the position, Tiatia opted to invite members of the press to a Dragons training session instead. “Spend a couple of days with us and then you’ll be able to see,” he remarked. “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.” Tiatia, known as a formidable competitor during his playing career, expressed his commitment to elevating standards “and selling belief” among the men of Gwent. He faces a significant challenge, as Dragons are currently positioned 15th in the URC, with only one victory from six matches. The team will resume play following the international break on Saturday, journeying 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 stated. “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 expressed encouragement regarding Dragons’ young talent, including Oli Burrows, Harri Ackerman, Sam Scarfe, and Nick Thomas, describing them as “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 commented. “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.” Scott Williams is a senior player who Tiatia might potentially include in his squad. The 58-cap Wales centre has been training alongside Dragons since his departure from 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 further stated. “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.”