Dean Ryan has praised the development of young back row Ben Fry over a short period of time – and believes the Dragons Academy product has added growing maturity to his all-action game.
Fry won accolades for his eye-catching performance last week as Dragons tussled with reigning Guinness PRO14 champions Leinster at Rodney Parade.
The 22-year-old still only has 11 senior appearances to his name but went toe-to-toe with Leinster and finished Round 12 as the top tackler and turnover king in the league.
His displays since returning from a bicep injury have delighted Director. of Dragons Rugby Ryan who feels Fry has added a growing maturity to his natural abrasive and confrontational style.
“Ben Fry was outstanding and his development over a short space of time, in being able to harness his spikiness into positive contributions to the team, has been a real credit to him,” said Ryan.
“He fully deserved the accolades that he got post-game against one of the best opponents around.
"That's about maturity - you can charge around and be whatever you want but if that's not a positive impact for the team then it's no use.
“You have to channel that energy in a different way and he is only just learning to do that. Leinster was a step towards him growing in maturity around how to utilise that energy that he has got.
"Having Ross (Moriarty) come back and Ollie (Griffiths) being on the horizon balances everything out for good development," added Ryan. "Coming into a stable side is much better.
"Ben and Taine (Basham) are still trying to find that consistency but we know what Ross and Ollie do, while Harrison (Keddie) is growing behind them as a more consistent performer.
"We are definitely growing some depth in the back row... I don't think I've selected a back row for 18 months, so it be interesting if they all come back at the same time."
You have to channel that energy in a different way and he is only just learning to do that... Leinster was a step towards him growing in maturity around how to utilise that energy that he has got...
