New Delhi, April 9: If anyone wishes to understand the deep connection some Welsh players have with their local team, they need only spend a few moments with Wales hooker Brodie Coghlan. The Dragons front-rower has recently signed a two-year contract with his home region and could not be prouder.
“Playing for Dragons means everything to me because this was the team I grew up watching,” Coghlan shared. “There are times when I still can’t believe I am playing regularly for the Dragons now.”
Amid the ongoing turmoil in Welsh rugby and discussions about cutting a professional side, the passion players have for their teams often shines through. Coghlan, who aims to help his team reach the European Challenge Cup semi-final by defeating Zebre this Saturday, exemplifies that spirit.
“I remember being younger, hoping I’d be here one day, looking out at the pitch, watching the games, dreaming of being part of it,” said the 25-year-old. “I have moments of realization that I’m actually involved now. It drives me and reminds me of my childhood dreams. It makes me incredibly proud and means everything to me and my family.”
Family Support in Paris
Coghlan’s family was present in Paris last weekend to witness his and many teammates’ finest moments in a Dragons jersey. The Dragons celebrated a thrilling 36-31 victory in the European Challenge Cup against Stade Francais, who currently sit third in the French Top 14 league, thanks to a last-minute try by Wyn Jones. Coghlan himself scored earlier in the match, setting up a quarter-final clash against Zebre in Parma this Saturday.
“It was very special,” Coghlan remarked. “We tried not to put too much pressure on ourselves and just played our game.” The Newport-born Dragons academy product described the post-match atmosphere as incredible.
“The changing rooms were alive with joy, and there were constant smiles,” he added. “I had my dad and cousin there with some friends. Seeing all my friends and the families of my teammates in the crowd made it even more special. It shows how much it means to everyone.”
A Breakthrough Season
This season has been a breakthrough for Coghlan, who was included in Wales’ autumn squad and earned his first cap as a replacement during the 73-0 defeat against South Africa in November 2025. Although he was left out of the Six Nations squad, he is eager for a Test return.
“It was incredible,” Coghlan said of receiving his cap. “It’s hard to explain the emotions, but I felt incredibly proud. Growing up, it was my dream, and that feeling is something I want to keep chasing.”
Coghlan is inspired by Dragons and Wales hooker Elliot Dee, whom he currently keeps out of the starting lineup. “Elliot’s a legend and very supportive of me,” he noted. “He’s given me plenty of tips over the years. His competitive nature drives me to train harder. I aspire to achieve what he has done.”
Chasing European Glory
Both Coghlan and Dee hope to lead the Dragons to their first European semi-final since 2016, with a potential away trip to Montpellier or Connacht on the horizon if they secure a win in northern Italy this weekend.
While it may be a matchup between the bottom two teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) in Europe’s second-tier tournament, a place in the final four would be a significant boost for Welsh rugby, with the Dragons representing the only remaining team in continental competitions.
“It would mean everything,” Coghlan stated. “This group is so passionate, and that’s why I love it here. We haven’t always had the results we wanted, but everyone supports each other. The boys deserve it for all the hard work put in by the players, coaches, and staff.”
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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