Head Coach Dai Flanagan has praised the impact of ‘different level’ back row Ollie Griffiths at Dragons RFC as he closes in on a century of games for the Men of Gwent.
The 28-year-old from Newbridge could reach three figures if he is selected for the BKT United Rugby Championship opener against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3.05pm).
Griffiths made his debut against Ulster in November 2014 and Flanagan believes the dynamic back row is a player who will continue to have a massive influence on games.
“He is a different level to anything that I have coached before with the effect that he has single-handedly on a game,” said Flanagan
“I loved working with Josh Macleod at the Scarlets; he could do stuff that others couldn't and Ollie mirrors that.
“I was watching some of his highlights with it being his 100th game. We've put a video montage together and he is a Wales player.
“It's the effect that he has in the moments he is in. If Ollie is carrying then everybody knows, the same at the defensive breakdown.”
The back row, who made his sole Wales appearance against Tonga in 2017, agreed new terms earlier this year and Flanagan is eager for him to produce a run of games and his best form for Dragons.
“Fingers crossed we see a lot more of Ollie this season,” said Flanagan.
“He has had some freak accidents such as the pec rupture, if we manage his load and minimise the potential risk then we can get him on the field more.
“We are stronger with Ollie in the team. He will add to us every time that he plays.”
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He is a different level to anything that I have coached before with the effect that he has single-handedly on a game...
