Newport Gwent Dragons announced their new captain as Kevin Morgan today with the 29-year old taking over the leadership reins from the departed Jason Forster.
Speaking on the appointment of Kevin as captain, Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner said, “I believe Kevin is a natural successor as captain to the Region and there is no doubt in my mind that he will do a great job. He has a hard act to follow on the back of last season’s captain Jason Forster who I would again like to thank for his efforts as captain. Kevin is a motivator of men, an excellent communicator and on field inspires those around him. He has the respect of all the players, leads by example and has the best interests of the team at heart, there is no doubt he will prove to be an inspirational and tremendous captain.
“There were a number of candidates considered for the job but after lengthy discussions and with the individuals and the Region’s best interests at heart we decided that Kevin was ideally suited to the role of captain. We are in a rebuilding process with the Region and we see Kevin as instrumental to taking us forward.”
The Welsh International fullback who has 36 caps to his name joined The Dragons in the summer of 2004 joining from the Celtic Warriors. In his time with the Region he has played 34 times and scored 15 tries. In the 2004/05 season he finished top try scorer of the Celtic League, although last season came to an abrupt end for Kevin with a serious foot injury at Christmas.
“I am very proud to be made captain of The Dragons,” commented Kevin. “Last season is now behind us and the whole team is looking forward to the challenges ahead. There are a number of new faces who will make an impact. The support we had last season was tremendous and with the backing of our supporters I can assure fans that on-field we will be doing everything we can to repay their support. During my enforced layoff I had the opportunity to view things from the other side, from the community perspective and I have seen first hand the hard work that goes in with clubs and schools in the Region through presentations and coaching. As captain I will look to encourage the players to continue our work in the Region and get more involved in the community side. In the forthcoming weeks we will establish and develop links with schools and clubs and it is an exciting time for the Dragons Region on and off the field.”
Rugby Manager Jim McCreedy said, “The announcement of Kevin Morgan as captain is another step in the Region’s development. Last week The Dragons management met with the Premier clubs and we believe our relationship is improving all the time with them which will see more co-operation and communication between both. We want to develop this Region to the level we know we can and Kevin will be a catalyst in this development. He is a consummate professional, ambitious individual and has the best interests of the Region at heart. There is no doubt he will lead by example on and off the field and will be an inspiration to the whole squad.”
