Head Coach Dai Flanagan admits the derby on Boxing Day in front of a huge festive crowd will be ‘special’ occasion – and it is now down to his Dragons to ensure home fans crank up the volume.
Huge ticket sales ahead of the derby with Cardiff Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship has ensured the biggest crowd for a number of years will pack into Rodney Parade on Monday (kick-off 2.15pm).
And Flanagan is hoping a red-hot derby atmosphere will inspire his team to finish 2022 on a high.
“It’s great to see such a huge crowd is coming,” he said.
“We want to inspire the next generation of Gwent kids to play for Dragons and you see the amount of children we get at home games, with our players interacting with them because they have got to be role models.
“We want to inspire that generation so to get what looks like a full house on Boxing Day is awesome for us.
“It will be loud and it's on us to make sure we keep the crowd loud.
“I'm sure Cardiff will be coming to make the crowd quiet, but there's nothing like Rodney Parade in Welsh rugby. It will be special.”
Flanagan is hoping bumper crowds are replicated across Welsh rugby after the heroics for many in Europe last weekend.
“We all want to play in front of full houses every week, but for that to happen our performances have to be better,” he added.
“What was great last weekend, not so much for us, was to see Welsh regions going well in Europe.
“I spent a lot of time at the Scarlets, and I've got a lot of close friends and work allies and relationships down there, but it's so good to see them turning in a corner and playing in some unbelievable rugby.
“We were disappointed last weekend because I honestly felt it was a game we should have won, and we let go against Pau.
“A win would have definitely sold out this week, but to hear it is still on track is great. We can’t wait to see that crowd.”
Tickets remain on sale for Boxing Day and the big clash with Cardiff. CLICK HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 for more information.
It will be loud and it's on us to make sure we keep the crowd loud... there's nothing like Rodney Parade in Welsh rugby... It will be special...
