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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Ashton Hewitt opens up on the uncertain life of a rugby player in Wales after being released by the Dragons: 'It's been difficult to enjoy'
Welsh rugby is full of uncertainty right now and Ashton Hewitt knows that better than most. As the chairman and leading player representative of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, Hewitt has been the closest of his contemporaries to the discussions taking place at the top of the country's national game as it has slowly unravelled. Frankly, it has been a car crash. A total disaster. From player strike threats over contractual and financial issues to the current debate over the possibility of cutting a professional team – and much, much more besides – all sorts of off-field issues have only served as a distraction to the sport's development. They have had an impact on the pitch too, with Wales' senior men's side on a run of 17 straight Test losses. It seems hard to predict when things are going to change for the better. Every so often, a new low seems to be hit. With money slim and squad sizes being reduced, Hewitt has become the latest victim of Welsh rugby tightening its belt. After playing his entire career for the Newport-based Dragons, the 30-year-old has been released by his home region and is yet to sign a new contract elsewhere. It's left him, partner Ellis and five-month-old daughter Thea wondering what's next. 'For the last five years or maybe longer, there has been something every single year in Wales that has impacted the players and put lots of us in difficult positions,' Hewitt told MailSport. 'To be honest, it's been difficult to enjoy rugby because of that. It feels like a long time since as players, we've just been able to focus on the game and there's been no noise about anything else. It's been a s*** position to be in. I know I speak for myself when I say uncertainty and off-field stuff impacts performance. It's hard for it not to.' Hewitt gave his all for the Dragons over the course of 12 years and is second on the list of the region's all-time leading try-scorers. In the line of duty, he suffered two serious knee injuries. But loyalty and putting your body on the line counts for little in the cut-throat world of professional sport, as Hewitt has found out. After returning from his second knee blowout, he was informed by new Dragons coach Filo Tiatia he wouldn't be re-signed. It was a body blow to the player who isn't sure what's next. 'Filo didn't see me as part of what he's building and that's the nature of the game. Ideally, it would have been nice to know sooner, but I understand there may well have been reasons for that,' Hewitt said. 'It's tough. I've got a young family. I'm not quite at panic stations, but it is worrying. It's the same for anyone who loses their job when they've got commitments. 'There is a lot of pressure. You do feel responsibility and the need to keep going and provide for your family. This is a situation I hoped I'd never be in. It's just s***, to be honest.' Players and coaches come and go from clubs all the time. Hewitt's situation isn't new. But for him, being released has come at the worst possible time. Wales' four regions have limited money to spend and there is a very realistic chance the Welsh Rugby Union might cut its number of teams to three. Such a scenario would leave even more players unemployed. After the financial demise of Worcester, Wasps and London Irish, the number of playing jobs in English rugby is significantly less too. 'It's not just tough for players in Wales. It's everywhere. Clubs in England have gone bust and that's meant the player market is saturated,' Hewitt said. 'What's common at the moment for players to hear is they might be offered something based on other factors like governance, politics or finances. 'The uncertainty is tough. Most players have families. People see it as a glamorous job, but rugby can be very stressful. Welsh rugby isn't that glamorous at the moment. It's not all fun and games. There is a tough side to the business. 'Short-term contracts are one and a lack of security plays into that and puts a lot of pressure and strain on you as a person. 'You're always at risk of being in the position I'm in now.' A rapid wing, Hewitt still has a lot to give. He has received numerous expressions of interest in his services from several corners of the globe, but no concrete financial offer. 'I've got a few years left in me. I feel I've got something to prove now and I'm completely over my injury,' Hewitt said. Hewitt is not the only rugby player facing an uncertain future. Having been involved in talks between the WRU and the regions given his WRPA role, he has grown frustrated at a lack of transparency and accountability in Welsh rugby's corridors of power. Hewitt has been a passionate voice in society's fight against racism and bigotry. Away from the game, he advises organisations on equality, diversity and inclusion – in part using lessons from what rugby has taught him. He does have other non-sporting irons in the fire. But it is in rugby he would like to stay. Had he not cruelly been struck down by injury, Hewitt would surely have represented Wales. He was primed for a debut in the summer of 2018. 'Elliot Dee ran into me full tilt in training,' Hewitt recalled. 'Shaun Edwards was defence coach and I wanted to impress him, so I went in hard. 'It was a little bit rogue. It ended badly. The toughest thing for me has been whenever I've got injured, I've always been at the very top of my game. When you rack up two or three serious injuries as I have, you're out of the game for a long, long time.' It is hard to argue with Hewitt when he says players in Wales deserve better. The current struggles of the national side and the regional teams are down to a number of complex factors, but it is clear the game needs to be run far better than it is currently. 'There is huge pressure with what's going on in Welsh rugby. I don't know all the answers, but I've been heavily involved,' Hewitt said. 'Could it be better? Yes. 'The WRPA do a great job, but it's a small organisation with limited resource. I didn't have a whole load of time to get my head around the contract situation. 'It's been a rollercoaster of emotions. I've been at the Dragons my entire career. It's my home region and means so much to me, so it's strange to be in this situation. 'There's a lot the corporate world can learn from professional sport, rugby specifically. I want to make a difference in whatever it is I do. There are issues to address in society and hopefully, I'd like to be a catalyst for change. 'I'd like to work with clubs in the same way I'm working with other organisations now. 'That could be a route I'd go down. 'I am prepared if I don't get another contract, but that's not what I want. I understand the issues in the game, but I truly believe I can still offer a lot on the field.'
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Welsh star announces exit after 'tough journey' and coach departs weeks after suspension
Today's rugby news as Welsh star announces exit after 'tough journey' and coach departs weeks after suspension The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Ashton Hewitt (R) has announced he will leave the Dragons (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Here are your rugby morning headlines for Saturday, May 17. Welsh star confirms exit ahead of final appearance Ashton Hewitt has confirmed that he will leave the Dragons following his final match for the club today. The wing, who has made 130 appearances for the Men of Gwent since making his debut in 2013, will take on the Bulls in Pretoria this afternoon before heading elsewhere. It's not clear where the 30-year-old - who sits second on the club's all-time try-scoring charts with 37 over 11 seasons - will go, although it's understood recently reformed Worcester had previously shown some interest. In a statement posted on his social media, Hewitt said: "After 12 years, Saturday will be my last game in a Dragons jersey. It's been a tough journey at times, but I take a huge amount of pride to have represented the region and pull on the jersey as many times as I have for my home club. "I want to thank all of my team-mates along the way, some of them my best mates and relationships that won't end here. I'd also like to thank all of the staff that make the club what it is. "Finally, I want to thank the fans who have stuck with us no matter what, but for more than just the rugby. I've had some challenging times off the pitch after becoming vocal about racism and the support I received from fans, publicly and privately, means more to me than any cheer for stepping onto the field. Article continues below "It's been a pleasure, Ashton." In their own statement, the Dragons thanked Hewitt for his service, with head coach Filo Tiatia saying: 'Ashton is a well-respected and popular player who came through our Academy system and went on to play over a century of games for the Dragons. 'Ashton has achieved a huge amount for this club and been a wonderful advocate for our sport. 'He has always given 100 percent whenever he has pulled on a jersey that means so much to him and shown his resilience and determination to come back from serious injury in recent seasons. 'Ashton and his young family will always be a part of our club and he leaves with our best wishes for the future and the next chapter of his career. They will always be warmly welcomed back at Rodney Parade.' Backs Coach Matt O'Brien added: 'Ashton has been an outstanding servant to Dragons RFC for over a decade, both on and off the field. 'He's not just a great player but a great person too who, if it wasn't for some seriously bad timing with injury, would have achieved international honours. 'Ashton's had to show great resilience to get back from some serious injuries over recent times which shows how much playing for his home club and representing Newport means to him. 'He's second in the club's all-time try scoring charts which shows how much of an impact he's had on the field during his career at Dragons. 'Ashton is undoubtedly one of our very best homegrown talents to come through the pathway and we wish him every success in the future.' Cardiff coach rues play-off heartbeark Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt was philosophical after his side narrowly missed out on a first ever URC play-off place. The 34-24 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town, along with results elsewhere, ensured the Arms Park club would finish the season in ninth - just shy of the play-off places. "We've shown with this team over the last two seasons that we don't lack effort," said Sherratt. "Obviously I'm disappointed. It's a game we could have got more out of. We missed out on a point at the end. "But it's important to reflect on the season as a whole. It's easy to look at one game and the odd moment. "Ultimately we've played 18 games and just come up short. But I think expectations at the start of the season have been exceeded. Icing on the cake would have been getting to the play-offs, there's no doubt about that. "But still to double our wins, play some of the rugby we've played, the amount of tries and tries bonuses, we've certainly developed on last season. "It's important to take a breath. The biggest thing for me is it's important for the club to keep pushing forward." Coach leaves English giants weeks after being suspended Long-serving Exeter Chiefs coach Ali Hepher has left the Premiership club by mutual consent - just weeks after being suspended following the club's record defeat to the Gloucester. Despite being part of their coaching set-up since 2009, Hepher - along with Rob Hunter - was suspended after the 79-17 defeat to the Cherry and Whites. After working alongside Rob Baxter for eight years, Hepher had been promoted to head coach in 2017 - with the club winning two Premiership titles and a Champions Cup during his time there. However, he was demoted earlier this year after the Chiefs suffered their worst season since promotion to the Premiership in 2010. The club currently sit in ninth, having lost 12 out of their 16 matches. Hunter, who succeeded Hepher as head coach, has already left the club following his suspension. Now Hepher, who had been due to take on a role transitioning players from the academy to the first team this summer, has also gone. Director of rugby Baxter has refused to comment on whether former Newcastle boss Dave Walder will take over Hepher's role - despite being pictured in a club photograph during a training session last week. "Ali has contributed immensely to Exeter Rugby Club over a long period of sustained success," chairman Tony Rowe said in a statement. "His influence on our coaching environment and playing culture has been considerable and I would like to wish him all the best for the future." Baxter added: "Working alongside Ali for so many seasons has been a genuine privilege. "His insight, energy, and passion for the game have helped drive this club forward in countless ways and I know everyone here will join me in thanking him for all he's done." Lions call-up to make timely return By Gavin McCafferty, PA Sione Tuipulotu makes a timely return as Glasgow close their regular United Rugby Championship season with the toughest assignment of them all. The Scotland centre returns following a four-month lay-off with a pectoral injury as Warriors face Leinster at the Aviva Stadium. With a home quarter-final already secured and a summer with the British and Irish Lions to look forward to, Tuipulotu is set for a challenging comeback against a side that beat Glasgow at the same venue in the European Champions Cup. Head Coach Franco Smith told 'Our medical and S&C teams have been working closely with Sione over the last few weeks in order to put him in the best possible position, and his enthusiasm for his return to action has been infectious.' Scotland Under-20 hooker Seb Stephen has been handed a baptism of fire after being named in the starting line-up for his professional debut. Flanker Macenzzie Duncan makes his first start for Glasgow while Jare Oguntibeju also comes into the second row. Article continues below Smith added: 'We also look forward to seeing Jare and Macenzzie run out after impressing for our under-23 squad last week, and we congratulate Seb on being named in a Glasgow Warriors matchday 23 for the first time. 'Each man has earned their opportunity to start this weekend and we know that they will all give everything for this team.'
BBC News
16-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Wing Hewitt to leave Dragons at end of season
Wing Ashton Hewitt will leave Dragons this summer at the expiration of his current 30-year-old has made 130 appearances to date for the Welsh region after making his debut in 2013.A product of the Dragons academy system, Hewitt is second in the club's all-time try scoring charts with 37 tries over 11 will play his final game for Dragons in the United Rugby Championship (URC) game away to Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria, South Africa on head coach Filo Tiatia said: "Ashton is a well-respected and popular player who came through our academy system and went on to play over a century of games for the Dragons."Ashton has achieved a huge amount for this club and been a wonderful advocate for our sport."He has always given 100% whenever he has pulled on a jersey that means so much to him and shown his resilience and determination to come back from serious injury in recent seasons."Ashton and his young family will always be a part of our club and he leaves with our best wishes for the future and the next chapter of his career. They will always be warmly welcomed back at Rodney Parade."
BBC News
26-02-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hewitt set for first Dragons appearance in 14 months
United Rugby Championship: Zebre v DragonsVenue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi Date: Friday, 28 February Kick-off: 19:35 GMTCoverage: Watch live on Scrum V on BBC Two Wales, BBC Sport online and app. Ashton Hewitt is set to make his first Dragons appearance in over a year against Zebre on wing endured a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in training at the end of 2023, but recently returned to action for Newport RFC in Super Rygbi 30, is one of several key players - alongside the likes of Steve Cummins and Matthew Screech - Filo Tiatia will have back available in the mix for Friday's United Rugby Championship trip to Parma."I'm really confident that if he (Hewitt) gets an opportunity that he'll put out his best," said head coach Tiatia."All I've seen is a powerful athlete, he's quick and communicates really well."Ashton brings lots of exuberance for his age and really just scores a lot of tries. He can beat people one-on-one, it's just building that confidence."Tiatia says the return of senior players like Hewitt will be a boost to the younger players in his squad."The young guys have performed pretty well at this level and gives them an opportunity," he added."It's good for the younger players to have them back, they will bring good energy and they lead well."
