THE boundaries of Gwent rugby have stretched to London.

Mike Ruddock, Gwent Dragons coach, and his assistant Clive Griffiths have just spent a day in the capital observing English champions Wasps and meeting up with London Welsh.

The Exiles have come under the Gwent umbrella in the new regional system in Welsh rugby.

"It was important we visit London Welsh and link-up with part of our region," said Ruddock.

He learnt that Wasps have no fewer than six fitness coaches, three of them full-time and three others there via the work experience system.

"They are pioneering quite a novel fitness approach with six people working there on fitness alone which is incredible," he said.

"It seems to be paying off, especially through their weights and power work.

"We also debated a load of different approaches.

"Clive and Shaun Edwards have known one another a long time and they talked about defensive systems, and I also worked with Warren Gatland when we were both in Ireland.

"Overall, it was a very productive day, and it was good to link up with them."

Gwent Dragons chief executive David Jenkins also hopes to appeal to fans just across the Severn Bridge which is where he lives himself.

"We've got Rhys Oakley from Bristol with us, and we've got the opportunity to spread the net further afield," he said.

"There are a lot of Welsh people who are floating fans across the bridge."