The Dragons’ chief executive travelled to their pre-season friendly at Hartpury University RFC on the official supporters’ bus as a show of solidarity amid the ongoing uncertainty in Welsh rugby.
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Last week, the Dragons had hit out at the Welsh Rugby Union’s plans to cut the number of professional sides down to two – declaring that “Welsh rugby deserves better”. They also added that the governing body’s plans “simply don’t add up”.
Chief executive Rhys Blumberg travelled with supporters to Hartpury, while co-owner David Buttress was also present at the game in Gloucestershire as the Dragons ran out 45-12 winners.
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“It was the perfect opportunity for me to represent the board on the bus and get under the skin of what supporters are thinking ahead of the season,” Blumberg told BBC Wales.
“As a club we made a very clear statement about where we stand. We have demonstrated our commitment to the Dragons and Gwent rugby, that’s why we are here to show that we are right behind the team.”
The Dragons had met with the WRU last Tuesday to discuss the plans, with the Ospreys and Cardiff meeting with the governing body on Thursday.
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Following the Dragons’ meeting, a strongly-worded statement was put out by the Rodney Parade club on Thursday – stating “no compelling case has been made for reducing the number of professional teams to two”.
“We remain firm in our view that there is no reason the Dragons can’t continue in our current form,” continued the statement.
Dragons, who finished bottom of the United Rugby Championship last season, signed a new Professional Rugby Agreement with the WRU in May.
They said that they are taking legal advice and, while they will continue with the consultation process, are urging the WRU to change their plans.
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“We are extremely disappointed in the initial proposals – they simply don’t add up,” said Dragons chair David Wright.
“We will continue participating in the consultation and we want to find a solution.
“We are committed to securing a positive future for Welsh rugby and to elite rugby continuing in Gwent, but there is no way we can agree to the proposals as they currently are.
“Welsh rugby deserves better and the WRU must rethink.”
On Friday, the WRU offered an update from the first week of the consultation – adding that there was potential for further meetings with the professional clubs over the next three weeks.
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