Huw Taylor ready for a fresh start after Dragons exit

The 27-year-old is currently mulling over his options for a fresh start after five seasons in east Wales.

The forward finished in the odd position of almost being considered a stalwart despite having just 52 appearances to his name.

The last of those came at Principality Stadium when he came off the bench in the 78th minute for Taine Basham to help close out the victory against the Scarlets.

Nobody will have a bad word to say about Taylor yet he would be described as a good bloke, dependable, versatile, hard-working, diligent, a team player… but not often a starter.

Taylor operated mainly as a blindside flanker after moving from Worcester in 2018 but also covered at lock, where he played when winning the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship with England.

His solitary start last season came against the Stormers in December and it wasn’t a shock to head for the exit.

Former Dragons forward Huw Taylor (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I came to terms with it about six months ago,” said Welsh-qualified Taylor. “Sometimes you just know that it’s time to move on and it was kind of a mutual thing.

“I signed for two years from Worcester, did another two years and then the last six months of that under Dean it wasn’t particularly a great place to be.

“I was offered another year and didn’t especially want to take it but thought I’d give it another crack to see if I could play more regularly.

“That didn’t really bear fruit, I had a few games but at my age I am ready to play regularly, even if that means dropping down a level.”

Taylor has cut his coaching teeth with Usk while living in the town, helping them to promotion from Division Three, but it’s a fair crack at being a starter that he wants.

He was presented with a special recognition award by the Dragons last month but wants 4, 5, 6 or 8 on his back rather than praise for pushing others hard.

Taylor, who went out on loan to Bedford last season, finished with 52 appearances but was a replacement on 35 occasions.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s insulting [to be called a squad player] but being someone who can play lots of positions can be a point of difference as well as having a negative impact with coaches sticking you on the bench to cover three positions,” he said.

“I would say the first three seasons at the Dragons was fine, it was just the past 18 months when I didn’t play enough.

“I don’t mind playing 10 to 15 games a year and getting five to 10 starts but anything less is tough.

“I wanted to end on a positive note and I did that by getting to 50 caps and then having Judgement Day and a bit of recognition at the awards.

“But it took quite a lot of mental strength to get there because there were times when I was frustrated.

Huw Taylor on the charge for the Dragons after coming on against Zebre (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“I was hoping I’d get some starts at six but then I was asked to play in the second row because I was good at calling the lineouts, only to not get too many opportunities.

“I felt that it was hard to prove I was good enough and better than other locks when only given a few minutes off the bench.

“It did get tough at the end and I’d got to the point where I didn’t really try to convince the coaches anymore because it was clear what they thought.

“I did get a little bit bitter but I’m never one to burn bridges and I still had a good relationship with all the coaches.”

Taylor, who gets married to England winger Kelly Smith next month, is yet to sign for a new club.

“Things are a little bit up in the air but I do have some options up until Christmas – I’ve been talking to clubs in France’s Pro D2 and the UK – and then we might look further abroad,” said Taylor, whose brother Ed played for Worcester, Rotherham, Bedford and Blackheath.

“A fresh start is 100 per cent what I need and I am excited, even if that is stepping down to kick-start the rest of my career.”