Adam Warren: Dragons boss Dean Ryan 'annoyed with himself' over player's exit scenario

Dragons boss Dean Ryan admits he is "annoyed" at himself for the length of time it took to confirm centre Adam Warren's end-of-season departure.

Warren is among 16 players leaving Rodney Parade.

"Making calls on players is the hardest part of the job, I wish I didn't have to do it but it's the reality of the business," said Ryan.

He also praised Warren for his efforts in their 21-11 finale defeat by Lions.

That meant Dragons have not won at home in the United Rugby Championship in 2021-22 with Ryan explaining the thinking behind letting more than a team-full of players go.

"They're horrendous decisions to have to make, but we're moving towards something where we knew something had to change and sometimes that involves people, really good people," he said.

"All you can do is do your utmost be transparent about the reasons, and in the Adam Warren situation I'm annoyed at myself that it has gone on for a long time because there were other parts of the jigsaw we hadn't solved.

"That's where ultimately my respect for him is huge, he's been a huge ambassador for the club for so long.

"Today will be the hardest day he's played, to do 80 minutes at that level of physicality with the hardest emotions, outstanding."

Forwards Dan Baker, Greg Bateman, Mesake Doge, Harry Fry, Joe Maksymiw and Max Williams also leave the region.

Half-backs Dan Babos, Evan Lloyd and Josh Lewis, centre Tom Griffiths, wings Jonah Holmes and Owen Jenkins and full-back Will Talbot-Davies complete the list of contracted players leaving.

Hooker Taylor Davies and full-back Jordan Olowofela also depart after loans.

"We would like to thank all the players for their commitment and effort throughout their time as Dragons," said director of rugby Dean Ryan.

"It is a difficult time of year, but we must make difficult decisions if we want change.

"The players have continued to give everything to the jersey, as they have always done, and I'm in awe of their efforts during this period."

The 16 departing players join Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Tavis Knoyle and Jamie Roberts who all left Rodney Parade earlier in the campaign.

New recruits include Rob Evans (Scarlets), Sio Tomkinson (Highlanders), Bradley Roberts (Ulster), JJ Hanrahan (Clermont Auvergne), Rhodri Jones (Ospreys), Sean Lonsdale (Exeter), Max Clark (Bath), George Nott (London Irish) and Angus O'Brien (Scarlets).