Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Brodie Coghlan has played 51 games for Dragons
ByGareth GriffithsBBC Sport Wales- Published4 minutes ago
If anybody wants to know the love affair some Welsh players still have with their local side, they just need to spend a few minutes in the company of Wales hooker Brodie Coghlan.
The Dragons front-rower has just signed a two-year contract for his home region and could not be more proud.
"Playing for Dragons means everything to me because this was the side I grew up watching," said Coghlan.
"I still have a few moments now when I can't actually believe I am playing a lot for the Dragons now."
With all the turmoil within Welsh rugby and talk of cutting a professional side, you can sometimes forget the passion players have for their teams.
Coghlan, who is hoping to help his side reach the European Challenge Cup semi-final by beating Zebre on Saturday, soon reminds you of that.
"I remember when I was younger and just hoping I'd be here one day, looking out on the pitch, watching the games when they play, dreaming of being there," said the 25-year-old.
"I have moments of realisations every now and again, like I'm actually here now involved in it. It's what drives me and reminds me of what I wanted coming up as a kid.
"It makes me incredibly proud and means everything to me and my family."
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Paris family love affair for Dragons
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Dragons players and supporters celebrate after beating Stade Francais in Paris
So it was fitting that Coghlan's family were out in Paris last weekend to witness his - and many of his team-mates' - finest hour in a Dragons jersey.
Dragons celebrated a 36-31 European Challenge Cup win against Stade Francais, who are third in the French Top 14 league, thanks to a last-gasp Wyn Jones’ try.
Coghlan had earlier crossed the line himself in a victory that sets up a quarter-final trip to face Zebre in Parma on Saturday.
"It was very special," said Coghlan.
"We tried not to put too much pressure on ourselves and go out there and just play how we wanted to play."
The Newport-born Dragons academy product said the feeling afterward the victory was incredible.
"The changing rooms were bouncing, constant smiles on faces," he added.
"I personally had my dad and cousin came out with a few of his mates. I could see all my friends, all the boys' families out there and the crowd afterwards.
“When we went over to them, they were absolutely bouncing. It made it even more special because it shows how much it means to everyone."
Breakthrough season with first Wales cap
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Brodie Coghlan came on as a replacement for captain Dewi Lake in the 73-0 defeat against South Africa in November 2025
It has been a breakthrough season for Coghlan who was named in Wales' autumn squad and won his first cap as a replacement in the 73-0 defeat against South Africa in November 2025.
The former Wales U19 international was left out of the Six Nations squad but wants a Test return.
"It was incredible," said Coghlan.
"When I did get my chance to get my cap, it was a special feeling, hard to explain, a lot of emotions and just felt incredibly proud.
"Growing up it's your dream goal and that feeling is something now I want to keep chasing.
"I want to do everything I can to get back in there and represent my country, so hopefully I can get more caps in the future."
Coghlan is being inspired by Dragons and Wales hooker Elliot Dee, who he is currently keeping out of the starting side.
"Elliot's a legend and so supportive of me," said Coghlan.
"He's given me lots of tips over the last few years.
"He's really competitive as well, so it's what drives me to train harder. I want to try to push myself to do what he's done.
"The amount of caps he's had for Wales, the games he's had for the Dragons, to have him in the group and to learn so much off him is class.”
What information do we collect from this quiz?'European semi-final place would mean everything'
Both Coghlan and Dee will hope to inspire Dragons to a first European semi-final since 2016 with an away trip to Montpellier or Connacht waiting if the Welsh side can win in northern Italy this weekend.
It might be the bottom two teams in the United Rugby Championship (URC) going head-to-head in Europe's second tier tournament but a place in the final four would be a welcome boost to Welsh rugby, with Dragons flying the flag as the only side left in the continental competitions.
"It would mean everything," said Coghlan.
"This group is so passionate. It's why I love it here.
"We haven't always had the results we want, but everyone loves each other and plays for each other.
"I think the boys would deserve it, the amount of work everyone's put in as a group with all the players, coaches and staff."
