‘Dragons have done nothing in 20 years – if WRU cuts one team, it’ll be them’

United Rugby Championship: Dragons v Cardiff

Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport Date: Friday, 17 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST

Former coach Lyn Jones believes the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) would be justified in cutting Dragons if the governing body reduces the number of professional teams.

The WRU wants to halve the number of regions, from four to two, after two dire years for Welsh rugby at domestic and international level.

Jones said Dragons have been Welsh rugby’s weakest team during the regional era – that began in 2003 – and are the obvious choice to be discarded.

“Everything in rugby is business,” he added.

“If the union go ahead with their plans [and] there’s one team to go, of course it’ll be the Dragons because they haven’t been successful over the last 20 years.”

Jones’ verdict came on the day Dragons were preparing to host arch rivals Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade.

Jones was in charge of Dragons the last time the Newport-based side beat their local rivals – in 2015 – which has been followed by a 19-game losing streak against Cardiff.

“It’s 10 years since Dragons won the game, you can’t believe it,” said Jones.

“Can they win tonight? I’m sure they can, but they have to play much better than we’ve seen over the last few weeks.

“The weakness for the Dragons is the front row and the second row.

“They have to be physical tonight against the boys from Cardiff as they’ve got a good front row.