NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have exceeded themselves, they are the top Welsh team in the Magners League going into the autumn break — but it is rapidly approaching D-day for the board.

I can hear the question being asked now: ‘Why make a drama or a crisis where none exists? And especially when things are going so successfully.’ But that would totally miss the point, for what the Dragons board do now or in the next few weeks will determine the kind of future the region will have. It will certainly decide whether they can go on to the next level and really challenge for top honours.

For the fact is that the structure has got to be overhauled and the organisation has got to be dragged into the present day in terms of top ranking professional rugby.

The coaching situation is also fluid to say the least - head man Paul Turner is out of contract at the end of the season after five years at the helm, a new forwards coach has got to be appointed and contract extensions, or otherwise, have to be sorted out with some leading players, captain Tom Willis for example.

The Dragons are going really well on the field, better than for years, and they have got some highly promising players like Wales squad member Dan Lydiate and Jason Tovey, both expected to be capped.

The squad has got a nice blend of youth and experience not to mention bundles of their usual spirit.

But decisions have got to be made about coaches and players in particular and time waits for no man.

If the board procrastinate then the people in question will look elsewhere because jobs and futures are on the line.

The people who hold the power can’t afford to leave it until it’s too late.

The board don’t hold many meetings, but the next one has got to be imminent, for key decisions about the future must be made now, not some time after Christmas.

History won’t look back kindly on members of the board if they delay and do nothing. At this stage that is just not an option.