Dai Flanagan has revealed the secret inspiration behind Dragons’ remarkable last-gasp win over Ospreys – boxing great Joe Calzaghe.
Head coach Flanagan invited the former undefeated world champion to speak with his players during pre-season.
It was part of a string of motivational moves that also saw World Cup-winning All Black Sam Whitelock spend time at Rodney Parade.
But it was local hero Calzaghe, who lived and trained 12 miles away in Newbridge, who proved decisive in their injury-time 23-21 win on the opening weekend.
“We had Joe come in during the summer and we themed the week around him,” said Flanagan.