DRAGONS chief executive Rhys Blumberg has pledged to be open and transparent with fans about plans to turn around the club’s fortunes at a meeting next month.

Blumberg and chairman David Wright will host a Q&A with supporters at Rodney Parade on Thursday, February 6.

The Dragons state that the evening will provide a full update on the currently vacant position of head coach plus recruitment and retention.

Supporters are disgruntled after another frustrating campaign that sees their side sitting bottom of the United Rugby Championship.

Head coach Dai Flanagan left at the end of the first block of fixtures and defence coach Filo Tiatia stepped up but has only been able to lead them to a win against Newcastle in the Challenge Cup with defeats to Cardiff (twice), the Scarlets and Montpellier.

Tiatia is set to continue as boss for the rest of the season but Blumberg has promised clarity on the top job before the Q&A.

The Dragons hunt qualification for the knockout stages of the Challenge Cup when hosting Pau and travelling to the Lions before a home URC fixture against Munster.

Dragons chief executive Rhys Blumberg (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Blumberg said: “We are inviting supporters into Rodney Parade so we can update them and address any questions. Following the conclusion of the next block of fixtures, we will be able to do this fully.

“We’re very aware of the appetite for this event from fans and we look forward to being totally open and transparent over our plans.

“The new owners arrived at the club last year, and myself just over six months ago, and we have always taken the stance that this is a marathon and not a sprint, but we could not be more committed to making this a success.

“I can promise supporters that we are working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure we make the right decisions for the long-term success of the club.

“We’re determined to make big strides, and with added expertise and hard work, we are confident we will strengthen the squad to continue to improve into next season.

“We have two important games coming up in the EPCR Challenge Cup, as we target knockout rugby, before we entertain Munster at the end of the month on home soil.

“We thank our fans in advance for their unwavering and passionate support this month and look forward to seeing them all for the event at the start of February.”

The event, in association with the Dragons Official Supporters Club, will start at 6.30pm in the Tony Brown Suite.

Season ticket holders will have first chance to register for a place before spots are opened up to the wider fan base.

Wright, who is yet to address fans since taking over as chairman from co-owner David Buttress, and Blumberg will answer submitted questions before those present have the opportunity to raise issues.

The chief executive gave a wide-ranging interview to the Argus at the end of last year when he revealed the Dragons are on course to make a profit and said that discussions were ongoing with Newport Council over developing the north end of Rodney Parade.

He also stated that the Dragons' playing budget is likely to increase once a new agreement is signed by the professional clubs and Welsh Rugby Union.

“All I would say is that the budget is very likely to grow incrementally for the next five years. What number that gets to is variable,” said Blumberg.