​Shaun Connor is among several new additions to Dragons’ backroom staff for the 2026-2027 season, stepping into the role of kicking and skills consultant at Rodney Parade. The former Dragons and Ospreys fly-half brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as an academy and skills coach for Dragons and having been an assistant coach to Lyn Jones’ Russia during the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan. At 50 years old, Connor most recently contributed to Wales’ women’s coaching setup, though he departed after three years following the 2025 Rugby World Cup. His coaching résumé also includes extensive work with Wales Under-20s, underscoring his depth of knowledge across various levels of the sport.
Simon Church is set to return to Dragons, taking on the role of strength and conditioning coach. Church has a prior five-season stint with Dragons and most recently held the post of head of physical performance at the Ospreys, bringing valuable expertise in player fitness, recovery, and performance optimization back to the club. This move signals Dragons’ intent to reinforce their physical preparation and conditioning framework ahead of the new season.
From Russia to Blaina, the rugby journey continues for Connor, whose experience abroad and in domestic circles highlights his adaptability and broader understanding of the game’s evolving demands. The changes at Dragons reflect a broader strategy to enhance technical coaching, kicking accuracy, and overall athletic performance as the club prepares for the 2026-2027 campaign. The announcement follows headlines around other Welsh rugby moves, including Beck’s transition from Russia to a full-time Wales attacking role, and ongoing discussions about incoming and outgoing players as Welsh rugby outlines its ins, outs, and re-signings for 2026-27 in pursuit of stronger SEO visibility and broader engagement with fans.
As Dragons shape their backroom team for the upcoming season, Connor’s kicking and skills proficiency, combined with Church’s proven strength and conditioning leadership, is expected to bolster the squad’s on-field performance and physical readiness. The pairing aligns with a broader trend in professional rugby to place greater emphasis on specialized coaching roles that directly influence individual player development, set-piece execution, and overall match-day efficiency. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these strategic appointments translate into on-field improvements and team cohesion as Dragons navigate their 2026-27 campaign.