Aneurin Owen: I want to add X-factor to push on at Dragons

The Rodney Parade club had a nightmare season in which they won just two games and finished bottom of the United Rugby Championship.
However, Owen battled until the very end and his wholehearted exploits, especially when senior teammates were dropping like flies, led to the centre being named as player of the season by the coaches.
The 24-year-old from Newport played in 21 of 22 games, only sitting out the Challenge Cup defeat against Pau.
He has grown into a leader for the Dragons and is one of the first names on the teamsheet, with his qualities meaning he has racked up 71 outings since his debut in 2020.
Owen, who was called up by Wales four years ago, is developing nicely but wants to hit the next level in 2025/26.
'To play all those games was great and it helped me to work on my game,' said Owen. 'I worked really hard with Dan Lydiate on my defence, plus contact work on both sides of the ball.
'Probably the next bit of my game is to have more big moments – I feel I've got to a level of consistency but want to produce those key moments, maybe with a bit of X-factor.'
TALENTED: Centre Aneurin Owen is a key figure for the Dragons (Image: Ben Brain/Huw Evans Agency)
Owen's chances of pushing for a Wales cap have been hit by the Dragons' struggles, with a crippling injury list playing a part in their paltry win ratio.
'Results and where we finished in the table meant it was tough but I genuinely love it every time that I put the jersey on,' said the centre.
'I just hope that what we went through helps us next season because there were an unprecedented amount of injuries and we just had to get on with it.
'Those were the cards that we were dealt and the boys that were fit just had to dig deep. It was great to see how the young players went because they really stepped up in some difficult places against quality teams.
'We definitely need to have a focus on getting our best 23s on the pitch throughout the season because if we do that then I don't doubt we will be in more games, get more wins and finish higher up the league.'
It was a tough season but it did provide Owen with the chance to play alongside a pair of Wales legends – blindside Dan Lydiate, who is staying on as a coach, and centre Scott Williams.
'To play with Scott and Lyds after what they have achieved in their careers was incredible,' he said. 'To train with them, be around them and watch them was invaluable.
'I was then buzzing to actually play with Scott and be 12 and 13. He is someone that I grew up watching and he was class.
'Scott is an unbelievable player but even more than that, he is a great guy and added loads to the group.'
Owen will be a midfield option next season along with Joe Westwood, Harri Ackerman and Fetuli Paea, with wingers Jared Rosser and Fine Inisi able to slot in at 13 if needed.

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