Newport Gwent Dragons change name to Dragons

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has announced its intention to take over the Newport Gwent Dragons (NGD) region, both on and off the field.

The WRU already owns 50% of the region, but with Dragons struggling to find external investment, the WRU has moved in to formally become the region’s owners.

Wales Online reports that there are plans to change the club’s name to ‘the Dragons.’

The deal  includes the purchase of Rodney Parade with the WRU stating that it plans to make ‘required investments’ to the stadium and its pitch

WRU Group Chief Executive Martyn Phillips said about the agreement:

“All parties recognise that from an NGD perspective significant improvement is required on and off the pitch and that it is now time to take a different approach.”

“This investment is equally designed to safeguard Newport RFC and its rich history at Rodney Parade and provides a long term programme where we focus on putting in solid foundations to ensure a sustainable and successful team in the region."