Former Dragons head coach Lyn Jones caused a stir at Rodney Parade before the derby with Cardiff.
On the morning of the game, Jones told BBC Radio Cymru the WRU would be justified in cutting Dragons if the governing body reduces the number of professional teams.
Jones said Dragons have been Welsh rugby’s weakest team during the regional era – which began in 2003 – and are the obvious choice to be discarded after “offering very little”.
Jones was Ospreys head coach when current Dragons boss Filo Tiatia was a formidable number eight at the Liberty Stadium. Tiatia says he was surprised by the comments.
“Everyone is fighting for a job,” said Tiatia. “Particularly these players here, they’re trying to put performances forward and win games.
“We fell short [against Cardiff]. There were areas we need to keep improving and that’s what we’re going to do.”
The comments about Dragons’ dismal track record cannot be disputed.
Following this latest 24-17 defeat, the Newport-based region have lost 21 straight league games against Cardiff in a record stretching back to December 2014.
It has also been 21 URC matches since their previous league success when they defeated Ospreys in September 2024, with 20 defeats and a draw in that winless sequence.
Since taking over from Dai Flanagan, Tiatia has enjoyed just one win in 20 games – when his side defeated Newcastle in Europe’s Challenge Cup.
This wretched return will mean his position will be under scrutiny – whatever might happen in Welsh rugby’s future.
