THE Dragons' season may have been halted by coronavirus but captain Rhodri Williams believes it can already be put down as a successful one.

The Rodney Parade region are waiting for news about the conclusion of their Guinness PRO14 and European Challenge Cup campaigns but it is likely that they will be out of action for a number of months.

The frustration at enforced inactivity is exacerbated by the progress made in the first year under director of rugby Dean Ryan.

The Dragons sit fifth in Conference A of the PRO14 – ahead of the Ospreys – and earned a last-eight date with Bristol in the Challenge Cup.

They have won five league games and would have been eyeing their most recent high of eight, which was achieved under Lyn Jones in 2014/15.

South Wales Argus:

"Looking at the season, we have got to be happy with how it has gone," said scrum-half Williams, who signed a contract extension in December.

"We've learnt something from every game, win or lose, and taken a step in the right direction.

"Nobody is getting carried away, we still have a long way to go and this is a long-term plan. We can't get over excited with what we have achieved.

"The reason I re-signed here is because I am 100 per cent behind that journey and moving Dragons forward. I do believe in the vision.

"We know where we want to go, but patience is crucial. We've made strides but Dean (Ryan) has kept our feet firmly on the ground."

South Wales Argus:

The Dragons squad were together for the final time in Ystrad Mynach last Monday and are now having to train alone.

"It's obviously a very difficult time for everyone," he said. "Sport is important to all of us and a huge part of our lives, but that is really put into perspective when you see what is going on at home and abroad. Health is at the forefront and staying well.

"As a squad, we all have our individual training plans to work to and fitness to keep on top of.

"I'm lucky in that I've got a good mate with his garage converted into a gym about 200 yards away from home, so I can go there and train alone. I've also got my two dogs who keep me fit with plenty of walks.

"It's old-school training and we've got to keep doing it for when games return, whenever that might be.

"You need motivation at times like this and the thought of getting back out a Rodney Parade and playing again does drive you forward. I'm sure fans are looking forward to coming back home too.

"Training on your own can be difficult so you look forward and getting back out playing with the boys is on your mind.

"We're all looking forward to playing, but right now the health and well-being of everyone is the most important factor. It's massively important we all listen to the advice we are being given."

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The Rodney Parade region have set up a new initiative to help elderly and vulnerable supporters.

'Dragons Deliver' aims to help those that are house-bound during the coronavirus outbreak.

"We're making an appeal to Dragons supporters who are in a position to help others to show the famed community ethos and come forward with their offer to volunteer, whether that be chats on the phone, picking up shopping or some general maintenance tasks," read a statement.

Those willing to help should email info@dragonsrugby.wales, including your full name, mobile number and postcode.

Dragons staff will then given potential volunteers a ring to see what they can help with and where they can lend a hand.