Second URC coach axed in one week

NEWS: Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan has vacated his position at the club following the club’s disappointing results in the first block of the United Rugby Championship.

Filo Tiatia, who joined Dragons as defence coach this season, will step into the role as interim head coach.

Flanagan departs Dragons with a record of just 10 wins and a draw from 48 games, the worst of all the Dragons' bosses since their 2003 inception, and are just one place from bottom in the URC table.

Flanagan’s exit follows close on the heels of Munster’s dismissal last week of head coach Graham Rowntree after the first block of URC fixtures.

Flanagan had taken over the reins following the sacking of Dean Ryan two seasons ago.

He reshaped the management team last year by promoting Sam Hobbs to forwards coach, bringing in head of performance Ryan Chambers from the Welsh Rugby Union, and appointing the former All Black Tiatia as defence coach.

A statement released by the club states:

The decision has been mutually agreed by all parties following extensive discussions regarding the club’s performance and future direction.

After first joining the club in June 2022, Flanagan has taken sole charge of rugby operations for the last two seasons and into the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

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 in 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.