Forster's pledge

This season came to a sad end when the Dragons crashed out of the Celtic Cup, suffering the worst defeat in their brief history at the hands of Llanelli Scarlets on Friday night.

Their 49-19 hiding brought the curtain down on a season of under-achievement and provided an inglorious end to Percy Montgomery's three years at Rodney Parade as well as signalling the end for coach Chris Anderson and chief executive Andy Marinos.

But Forster insists a new dawn is on the horizon and that things will change next season - starting with the arrival of Gwent man Paul Turner as coach.

"We have under achieved this season and we are all disheartened by that," admitted Forster.

"But I hope we can put things right for next year. It's all been too disjointed, we've got to be consistent and have strength in depth.

"The morale is still great here and hopefully you'll see a different team next year. There is a new dawn on the horizon, the region will be here for a long time and we hope to achieve things."

Forster backs the decision to go for Turner as coach. "It would be fantastic to have him here, he's a person whose flair for the game is second to none, he wants to play the right game and I'm sure he'll bring a lot to the table," he said.

"We'll have a Gwent team here because Leigh (assistant coach Leigh Jones) is also very knowledgeable and a member of the coaching set-up here who should work well together next year and have a better understanding.

"It's difficult when people come in from abroad with new ideas, you've just got to go with what he wants, but Chris and Andy are going and with Tony Brown gone as well it has got to be run more as a business."

Montgomery urges the Dragons to stay with the same coach for a spell and improve the training facilities, as reported in Saturday's Argus, but he also has a parting shot for the Welsh Rugby Union.

"After all that has happened they should step in and help the region to push forward," he said.

"Someone has got to make a stand or you will have the same problems. They have got to find a way."

He says South Africa had the same teething problems as Wales with the regions, but that a way can be found around them.

"Welsh rugby has got a lot stronger, they've got a Grand Slam to show for it and they are definitely going in the right direction if the players continue to train hard," he said. "We had the same problems in South Africa with provinces and there is still bickering now. You're not going to keep everyone happy, but someone has got to make a decision."

Monty, who picks out Gavin Henson and Shane Williams as Wales' superstars and role models, will remember his time here fondly.

"I've really enjoyed it here, especially the Newport fans who've been fantastic," he said. "I've had a great time, but obviously with Tony Brown, who got me over here, leaving it made my decision to return to South Africa clearer."

* Dragons hooker Steve Jones is likely to miss Wales' tour to America because of a knee injury.