The Dragons rugby club is pursuing a contract extension with head coach Filo Tiatia, according to club leadership. The organization expressed confidence in reaching an agreement, with chief executive Rhys Blumberg stating both parties have demonstrated willingness to continue their partnership.
Tiatia joined the Rodney Parade institution in summer 2024 as a defence coach before being elevated to interim head coach following the departure of a predecessor in November 2024. He received permanent appointment to the role in February 2025. His existing contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026-27 season, prompting the current discussions about extending his tenure.
The coach’s tenure has shown progression over successive campaigns. His initial season proved challenging, with the team securing only one victory and finishing at the bottom of the United Rugby Championship standings. However, recent performance demonstrated improvement, with the Dragons recording three wins and four draws in league play while also reaching the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup competition. Blumberg highlighted that the club accumulated 19 additional league points compared to the prior year and narrowly missed playoff positioning.
Tiatia’s coaching setup includes Dale MacLeod, a New Zealand-based assistant who joined the staff and functions as a senior figure within the program. The club also employs additional support personnel including Matt O’Brien and Sam Hobbs. Blumberg emphasized the importance of experienced leadership within the coaching structure while praising Tiatia’s ability to build confidence among players.
The Dragons commence their upcoming United Rugby Championship season with a fixture against Benetton on 25 September, beginning a six-match opening block of competition.
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