Dragons interim boss Filo Tiatia tight-lipped on top job

The former Ospreys and All Blacks forward will call the shots for the first time at the Arms Park on Saturday when the United Rugby Championship returns with a derby at Cardiff.

Tiatia is interim head coach after joining the club in the summer to be defence coach under Dai Flanagan, who was sacked at the end of the first block of the campaign that featured five defeats after an opening weekend win against the Ospreys.

The Dragons owners have so far opted against outlining the reasons for that decision, their plans for the next boss or the timeframe.

That leaves Tiatia answering the questions on the situation and holding the reins for the foreseeable future with a key block coming up featuring three derbies and the group stages of the Challenge Cup.

The caretaker boss insisted he didn’t expect to be in charge after accepting an offer to return to Wales.

PROMOTION: Filo Tiatia joined the Dragons as Dai Flanagan's assistant (Image: Geraint Nicholas/Huw Evans Agency)

“Dai is a good mate of mine, we played together at the Ospreys, and I came from New Zealand, leaving my wife and children there, really clear on why I was coming,” said Tiatia.

“That was to try and add value to the programme as a defence coach and then the decision has been made and we are adapting.”

“I didn’t ask for the role,” he continued. “I am still focusing on our defence and working with our head of departments for the programme.”

Tiatia had roles with Toyota Verblitz and Sunwolves in Japan, going on to be part of the national set-up under Jamie Joseph.

He worked in Super Rugby with Moana Pasifika and was forwards coach with Auckland before becoming director of rugby at Rangitoto College in Auckland.

Asked if he was interested in being permanent boss, Tiatia said: “I’ve been head coach for different teams from grassroots to Super Rugby but my aspirations were to come here and help Dai as ‘D’ coach,” he continued.

“I’ve stepped into the role so we will see how grows, we’ve got a game against Cardiff this weekend and I will be getting the players prepared and excited.

“My week is much busier but it’s not my first rodeo. With the heads of department we have been clear about how we function as a group, not just out on the grass or in the team room.

“It’s making sure that we keep growing as a group, not just players but staff, and being clear on how we move forward.”

BOSS: Filo Tiatia is interim head coach at the Dragons (Image: Geraint Nicholas/Huw Evans Agency)

The Dragons are one from bottom of the URC after their frustrating start to the season that featured missed opportunities against the South African pair of the Sharks and Lions.

Asked how the squad have reacted to Flanagan’s dismissal, Tiatia said: “That’s a good question for the players. I am not a player.”

Asked how the coaching group have reacted: Tiatia said: “We have adapted. When a decision like that gets made it is out of my control and the players’ control.

“The reason is the reason and it’s really an opportunity for everyone to be galvanised and move forward.”

Flanagan ultimately paid the price for the Dragons’ improved performances not being reflected in the win column.

The former head coach insisted that, given the budget gap to the rest of the URC, they had to be ‘process-driven’ and Tiatia echoed those sentiments.

“I am not a coach that is about winning, I am a coach that is about winning moments and growth,” he said.

“There are a lot of things that have improved and still a lot of areas that we need to keep working on.”

Tiatia can get his reign off to a strong start by ending a 17-game losing streak against Cardiff.