Dragons prospect aims to kick on after first block that led to talk of Wales call

HOOKER Brodie Coghlan aims to kick on for the after an impressive first block of the season that put him in the mix for a Wales call-up. The 23-year-old from Newport has started all six games so far this season and is set to make that seven against Cardiff at the Arms Park on Saturday. With Elliot Dee sidelined by an ankle injury, Coghlan grasped his chance and his combative displays had many tipping him for autumn international action.

The Dragons prospect didn’t get that Wales call but he aims to pick up where he left off in the second block of the campaign. “I’m really happy on a personal level with how the season has gone and I’ve had some good feedback,” said Coghlan. “But the biggest thing is I just want to be playing and the amount of games I’ve had is probably more than I expected.



“I’m just really grateful to be given the opportunity and I’ve loved every minute of it. Hopefully now I can go on and get more minutes.” Coghlan will be to the fore when the Dragons attempt to end a 17-game losing streak against Cardiff on Saturday evening.

“I’m absolutely buzzing at the potential chance to play at the Arms Park,” said the front rower. “I’ve never played there before for Dragons seniors, last time I played there was for under 18s and I can’t wait I’m really excited. “I’m really looking forward to going up against the likes of Evan Lloyd and Efan Daniel and prove a point and give my best performance.

“It’s a massive block now, we’ve thought about what we want to get out of it. It’s a massive opportunity and hopefully now we can kick on and get a few more wins for ourselves and the fans.” Coughlan made his debut almost two years ago and is now a regular thanks to tapping into the knowledge of the senior hookers.

“Elliot and James Benjamin are both great people and so helpful to me given me a lot of advice,” he said. “Bradley Roberts last season was really friendly to me and helped me a lot and they’ve always been prepared to help me get better for the future.” Coghlan will aim to show more signs of progress in the capital as the Dragons hunt a first win over the Blue and Blacks since the European Challenge Cup quarter-final success in 2016.

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