Dragons snap up one of Gatland's key men as Baugh leaves in off-field shake-up

THE Dragons have appointed Ryan Chambers, a leading figure in Warren Gatland’s Wales set-up, as head of performance in a shake-up that has seen Dan Baugh leave.

Chambers will head to the Rodney Parade club this summer after finishing his work as head of sports science with the Welsh Rugby Union.

He has spent over 15 years as part of the national set-up after initially joining in a strength and conditioning role.

Chambers has gone on to be part of four Rugby World Cup cycles and four Six Nations championship winning sides during his time with the WRU.

Now he will join the Dragons with former Canada international Dan Baugh, who joined from Wasps in December 2019, heading for the exit.

Head coach Dai Flanagan said: “We’re delighted that Ryan joins us. He brings international experience from his time with Wales and has worked under coaches like Warren Gatland for many years.

“Ryan has been part of an outstanding player performance programme with the national side, and he brings real expertise and energy to our environment. He will drive standards and be a big asset to Dragons.”

Flanagan is also changing his coaching staff with Filo Tiatia joining as defence coach and Sam Hobbs poised to step up to the role of forwards coach.

Now he is adding more off-field expertise, with Chambers relishing his new role: “I’m really excited about the challenge and the environment Dai is building at Dragons.

“It’s a great time to be joining such an ambitious club, who are looking to make such positives strides, both on and off the field.

“A young and talented squad is being built a Dragons and I’m looking forward playing my part in creating the very best environment for them to perform.

“I am extremely grateful to the Welsh Rugby Union for the last 15 years and thankful for the opportunity to work alongside Warren Gatland, Huw Bennett and other exceptional staff. We’ve enjoyed some amazing highs and I wish the team every success in the years ahead.”