THE next generation of Dragons showed their ability to think on their feet when winning the Welsh Rugby Union U18 Super 6 at Sardis Road on Sunday.

The annual tournament was held in Pontypridd with the four regions locking horns with the Welsh Exiles and RGC 1404.

The day-long festival, which came after a week-long training camp, saw teams play each other in short games with adapted rules to ensure a high tempo and attacking play.

This year there was the introduction of a new tweak – there was no coaching feedback during games or at half-time, designed to develop players' ability to lead on the field and problem solve.

Dragons opened the competition with a 7-7 draw with Ospreys – in a game when they had a late try disallowed – before they faced the Exiles and ran out 10-0 winners.

In the final, Dragons played a strong Scarlets squad but had too much intensity and raced into an unassailable 14-0 lead early on.

With Will Reed showing impeccable kicking skills, Dragons settled into the game before Scarlets hit back with tries either side of half-time.

However, Dragons were not to be denied and pressure told as set piece turnovers resulted in two more tries to seal the win and title.

The Rodney Parade region were coached by Matt O'Brien, Sam Hobbs and Lewis Evans with Nigel Way as team manager and Lewis Hudd as conditioning coach.

Academy manager James Chapron said: "While the rugby is an essential part of the day, the unique set-up of the tournament allows our coaches and players to develop players between games, also teaching correct recovery methods, nutrition habits and helping them understand the behaviours of the professional game.

"Another important factor was our whole squad involvement.

"We could only have 28 players in the match squad, but had the entire squad turn up and help out - running as ball boys, extra kit men or just general helpers.

"It was a true one team effort so congratulations to all the players and staff involved."