Welsh rugby is at a crossroads, and one team is squarely in the firing line. Former Dragons head coach Lyn Jones has ignited a fiery debate, claiming the team has contributed 'almost nothing' to the sport in Wales over the past two decades. This bold statement comes as the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) considers a drastic measure: halving the number of professional teams from four to two. But here's where it gets controversial: Jones argues that if cuts are made, the Dragons should be the first to go, citing their consistent underperformance since the regional era began in 2003.
The WRU’s proposal follows two dismal years for Welsh rugby, both domestically and internationally, leaving fans and officials alike searching for solutions. Jones, speaking on BBC Radio Cymru's Dros Frecwast, didn’t hold back. 'Everything in rugby is business,' he asserted, framing the Dragons’ lack of success as a clear justification for their potential axing. His comments have sparked outrage among Dragons fans, who plan to march in protest before the team’s 25 October match against the Ospreys—another of Jones’ former clubs.
And this is the part most people miss: the Dragons’ struggles aren’t just about recent form. Their last victory over local rivals Cardiff dates back to 2015, followed by a staggering 19-game losing streak. 'It’s 10 years since Dragons won the game—you can’t believe it,' Jones remarked. Ahead of their United Rugby Championship clash with Cardiff at Rodney Parade on 17 October, Jones admitted the team could win, but only if they significantly step up their game, particularly in the front and second rows, which he identified as their weakest links.
But is Jones right to single out the Dragons? While their record is undeniably poor, some argue that the WRU’s broader strategy—or lack thereof—is the real issue. Should a team’s entire existence hinge on two decades of struggle, or is there room for redemption? And what does this say about the future of Welsh rugby as a whole?
As fans prepare to watch the match live on S4C and BBC iPlayer, with text commentary and reports on the BBC Sport website and app, the debate rages on. Are the Dragons a lost cause, or is there still hope for a turnaround? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
