Dai Flanagan has stepped down as head coach of the Dragons by mutual agreement, with assistant coach Filo Tiatia stepping in on an interim basis. The Newport-based club announced Flanagan’s departure following in-depth discussions regarding the team’s performance and long-term direction.
The 39-year-old leaves with the Dragons currently struggling in the United Rugby Championship (URC), ranking 15th on the table with only one win in six games this season. They also finished in the same position last season. In a statement, the Dragons thanked Flanagan for his “contribution, professionalism, and dedication” and extended best wishes to him and his family.
Flanagan joined the Dragons in June 2022 from the Scarlets, where he was backs coach. Initially appointed while Dean Ryan was director of rugby, Flanagan assumed greater responsibilities during Ryan’s departure, finalized in January 2023. Despite his efforts and optimism for the Dragons’ progress, they have continued to lag behind their Welsh URC counterparts.
Filo Tiatia, who has been part of the coaching team, will now lead the Dragons on an interim basis with the support of the existing staff. The team’s next match will be against Cardiff at Rodney Parade on 30 November after a break for the autumn internationals.
