Dragons RFC v Munster Match Preview

Dragons RFC v Munster Rugby, 7.35pm, Saturday

Having been left out of the Welsh Six Nations squad, Rio Dyer is turning his attention to lifting spirits in the Dragons camp.

The winger made the joint-most starts for Wales in 2024 - nine of them - but there was no place for him in Warren Gatland’s selection for the upcoming Championship.

So the 25-year-old’s focus is firmly on helping the Dragons bounce back from last weekend’s 60-10 Challenge Cup hammering at the hands of the Lions in Johannesburg - their worst ever European defeat.

"We have to hold ourselves accountable for that result,” said the 23-cap speedster.

"The one positive was how we stuck together.

"We've been down in the dumps a bit, but if we keep beating ourselves up then it will never change.

"If we hold our hands up, be accountable and try to better ourselves, that's what shows character and that's all we can ask.

"Looking around, I am one of the oldest in the back line and all I can say to the young boys is to keep going.

"That's one thing I have learnt - do what you love and if you make a mistake then don't beat yourself up, just keep working to be the best player you can be.”

The Dragons lie bottom of the URC table, with just one league win to their name, but Munster insist they are not taking the trip to Rodney Parade lightly.

Assistant coach Mossy Lawler commented: “It’s a huge game for us. It’s a very difficult place to go and play.

“From our point of view, we are definitely taking nothing for granted. We know it will be a tough task. They are really combative in everything they do.

“Obviously we have five internationals away, so it’s next up and somebody has to fill that slot and perform. The big thing is making sure we perform as a group on Saturday night.”