ELLIOT Dee admits the Dragons are in a “big, big hole” but the Wales hooker is pleased to be part of the group tasked with climbing out of it.
The 29-year-old from Newbridge was one of the first batch of contract renewals that were announced ahead of the European Challenge Cup clash at Glasgow.
Sadly, the feelgood factor didn’t extend beyond Saturday evening – the Dragons were drubbed 73-33 in the last 16 tie at Scotstoun Stadium.
Dai Flanagan’s side haven’t won in the United Rugby Championship since completing an encouraging first block with victory number three against Zebre in October.
The Glasgow humiliation was a low point in a campaign in which the Dragons have largely earned respect even if wins have eluded them.
“We are pretty upset with the performance. There were patches where we scored tries but that is one of the first times this season where we have been out there and felt totally outclassed,” said Dee, who went over for a double.
“Fair play to them, they showed why they are one of the best teams in our league and that performance from us has probably been coming after the tough times in Welsh rugby. We’ve got to stick together and get ourselves out of a big, big hole.”
Off-field turmoil has played a part in the Dragons’ struggles with Dee one of the contingent who had to play while uncertain over their futures because of professional rugby’s recruitment freeze.
Contracts are being signed but budgets have been squeezed and there are serious concerns about how Welsh teams can be competitive.
“It’s been a mad time and a lot of worry for a lot of people,” said the hooker, who is in his tenth campaign with the first team.
“You can’t question the boys’ effort every time we go out on the field or what we give every day in training but we are a long way behind the rest at the moment, and that goes for all teams in Wales.
“There needs to be a lot of work in pre-season to try to catch up with the rest. There is no question about effort, we give our all every time that we pull the jersey on, we fly into everything.
“I am still so proud to be part of this group and represent my home region but we have to get better. That’s brutally honest, we can’t have losses like that happening.
“As players, there is a lot of accountability on us for falling away from other nations in the league. We don’t want to be coming up to places like Glasgow and losing heavily.
“We want to fight our way up the table. Nobody goes to work to do a rubbish job, we all want to win and we have the right environment now. We just have to knuckle down and get it right.”
Dee admits it is a weight off his shoulders to be signed up – “I don’t just have me to think about now but a young family” – and a year ago it looked like the Wales forward would be leaving.
He didn’t see eye to eye with Dean Ryan but the director of rugby was sacked a week into the season with head coach Flanagan taking the reins.
“It’s a lot happier camp and there is a clear vision of what we want to achieve,” said Dee. “Dai is a good guy, a caring guy.
“There is nothing better than playing for your home club that means a lot to you so I intend to give it my all for the next two seasons and then hopefully go again.”
It has been a frustrating campaign for Dee, who broke his collarbone in October and then had a knee operation.
He has been limited to 10 appearances and has watched Wales hooker Bradley Roberts impress after arriving from Ulster.
“It’s been a tough 18 months with a lot of niggles and I haven’t been able to hit my stride,” admitted Dee.
“I think the most games I’ve strung together over the past two seasons is five games, that’s not enough to find form.
“I still feel I’ve got a lot to offer in a Dragons jersey with a lot of milestones to hit. I want to keep playing with the boys that I came through with and see some good times.”
And it is club matters on the mind for Dee rather than a bid for a World Cup spot.
Four years ago he was a key figure under Warren Gatland but now he is behind Ken Owens, Dewi Lake, Sam Parry and Roberts in the pecking order.
“I haven’t given up on the dream of playing for Wales,” he said. “I don’t feel that I am any less of a player, I just haven’t been able to get a run of games and a bit of luck.
“I am aware I am probably starting from the bottom but I still feel I have plenty to offer.”
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