Matt O'Brien: Dragons plan to attack with freedom in URC

The 32-year-old was on coaching duty in Bath on Friday night in the final tune-up for the United Rugby Championship and on Saturday afternoon put his boots on for the Black and Ambers in their Super Rygbi Cymru opener against Bridgend.

O’Brien showed throughout last season’s Premiership that he remains one of the top talents at that level, quick with a kick-pass or getting Newport’s dangerous outside backs moving.

The left-footer, who is second on the club’s all-time points list behind Dan Griffiths, is set to feature less as a player this season because of his Dragons commitments.

O’Brien earned a promotion to Dai Flanagan’s backroom staff in the summer of 2023 after previously working with the academy and now has a slightly different role.

“I mainly did the backs last season and then did a bit of attack towards the back end of it. I’m doing that fully now,” said O’Brien.

“I didn’t have a pre-season last year so have been able to implement a bit more of my attacking philosophy in recent months, working alongside [new forwards coach] Sam Hobbs and [new defence coach] Filo Tiatia.”

Dragons attack coach Matt O'Brien (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

And what is that philosophy?

“Probably similar to how I try to play the game,” said the fly-half/centre. “I try to find space and not be too pre-programmed, giving the boys freedom to express themselves and be brave with ball in hand.

“I want them to have freedom no matter where we are on the field, to play fast and expansive while doing the basics well. At the same time, we have to be a team that goes forward rather than just going wide all the time.”

Evidence of that comes in the Dragons’ options for the 13 jersey with Harry Wilson signed from Australia to add some punch in midfield along with the physical up-and-coming duo of Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood.

O’Brien is also working closely with the forwards – and especially the back rowers – to try and get the side over the gain line and open up space.

“In order to play to where the space is you sometimes have to crash into a brick wall,” said the attack coach.

“It’s well documented that size has been something we haven’t had a great deal of but we have recruited to help us in that area. That will hopefully help our attacking game.

“If the likes of Leon Brown, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter, Aaron Wainwright, Solomone Funaki stay fit then we should have enough in the pack and then we have some guys with size behind in Harry and Joe.”