Future's bright, says outgoing Dragons' chief

His six-year spell at Rodney Parade, five as a player and one as main administrator, came to an end yesterday and he returns to South Africa next month to take up a major new role as national squads manager.

During his time in Wales Marinos established himself as a regular crash ball inside centre for Newport, won a place in the Welsh team, led his adopted country out against his home nation and saw at first hand the change from club to regional rugby, captaining Newport Gwent Dragons in their first season, before crossing the line to become an administrator.

That's a lot to pack into six years, but he's enjoyed the entire experience, returns home richer for it and is convinced he's leaving behind a far better system than the one which existed when he first arrived, despite initial teething problems.

He also appeals to Gwent people to put differences behind them and get behind the Dragons.

"There was a lot of history and tradition, but a lot of baggage as well," said Marinos. "But I'm still a firm believer that regional rugby had to come, you can see the tangible benefits.

"The quality is a lot better, though the downside is that a lot of supporters have been lost. Newport was the big city club and the regional merger was messy with a lot of off-the-field antics clouding the objective to play rugby at the highest standard and to bring top players here on a regular basis.

"We've been able to deliver that, so the people of Gwent need to realise the standard has got better and they are getting better opportunities.

"It's an exciting time for Gwent, and sad though I am to leave, the time is right. After events of the last couple of months it's become evident that the foreign influence is coming to an end with a fully Welsh squad and an all-Gwent coaching set-up here.

"From my position, having a foreign person running the ship is changing and the structure is now very good and sustainable.

"But we've got to get the support in. It's as good a squad as you'll find anywhere in Wales here, a lot of players are coming through who have achieved a high level of success and it's exciting to see if they'll make the grade.

"My biggest challenge in the past year has been to try to put the Dragons on a business footing and streamline the operation to make sure that it is sustainable.

"A lot depended on variables like income, membership and support, but if that is maintained it will make the region a lot more sustainable.

"But it is imperative if it is to be a successful region it is not talked down with questions like 'Why Rodney Parade?' Why this, why that? How many have been down to support the region?

"The players just see themselves as Dragons players, so people from all over Gwent have got to really unite for the common good.

"We have opened up discussions with Premier clubs, though with seven different ones it's been difficult to keep everyone happy. It's about changing the mindset of people, their success depends on how many players progress into the regional development and academy teams.

"So we've made huge strides and there's a good rapport with the Premier clubs which is going to be strengthened. But we can't continue to support seven clubs as there's not enough players to go round, it's an evolutionary process."

Marinos firmly believes central contracts should come in, making up for the loss of benefactors, notably Tony Brown, and lack of money in the game in Wales compared with England.

"The loss of benefactors is significant as it doesn't give you the flexibility we've enjoyed here," he said.

"You can have the big name stars coming in, that's the icing on the cake, but regional rugby is meant to develop and promote Welsh rugby and its players to strengthen the national cause.

"The flamboyance has been thwarted, but the people left here are capable and they've got the ambition and desire to succeed, so have the players and the coaches.

"It's a shame we haven't been able to introduce central contracting because it would streamline the business. We've got to make sure all the players of international quality are retained in Wales and make it as lucrative as possible for them.

"There is still a huge need for some foreign influence in key positions, but you've got to make sure they add to the system not take away from it. Look at the contribution here of Gary Teichmann and Percy Montgomery, Todd Blackadder with Edinburgh and Jim Williams with Munster.

"But central contracts is the most sensible option because Wales is not a cash rich environment and you don't have the socio-economic factors of across the bridge, the spend is different."

Wales will always have a special place in Marinos' heart after accomplishing so much here.

"I'll be eternally indebted to Wales, they helped me gain international experience, I led the team out against South Africa here and there have been a lot of special moments," he said.

"In some ways it's a world leader and I'm impressed with the structures that have been put in place. The talent is here and physically and mentally there is the right type of player to take Wales forward.

"The Six Nations success was down to Steve Hansen and even Graham Henry laying the foundations and getting the level of expectations up. Andrew Hore has been hugely influential and Scott Johnson has been a catalyst.

"Wales is now a lot more professional. Mike Ruddock stepped in at the right time and added to the Welshness which is why they got the success they did.

"Now they should keep the personnel and keep building the structure and don't fix what's not broken.

"It's been one of the hardest decisions we've had to make to move back home. I've seen my children born and raised here and it's been an important part of my life.

"The people have been very friendly and warm and family orientated. Despite the nonsense off the field it's a beautiful, passionate and proud country.

"I'm going back to a very energetic role in South Africa, but I'm still involved in rugby and I hope to keep going the very strong relationship I've formed with Welsh rugby.

"It's going to be difficult when Wales confront the Springboks, but I can't lose. I'll always consider myself an adopted Welshman, I've been very proud to play for Wales and very grateful for the opportunities I've had here which allowed me to develop and grow as a player and start my future in administration."

That future involves managing national squads from the full Springboks down to under-19s, contracting the squads, liaising with key stakeholders, setting performance targets for coaches and staff, controlling budgets and developing links between the South African Rugby Union and Super 12s.

Marinos hopes to be back here with the Springboks in November - supporting South Africa but rooting for Wales as well!