Former Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan is reportedly on the cusp of securing a key coaching position with Premiership powerhouses Saracens, in a move that will mark a significant step in his coaching career. Flanagan, who parted ways with the Dragons in October last year after an underwhelming spell at the Welsh region, remains a well-respected figure in rugby circles for his strategic acumen and man-management skills.
The 39-year-old’s anticipated appointment comes as Saracens look to fill the vacancy left by the departure of their long-serving attack coach Kevin Sorrell. Should Flanagan seal the deal with the North London club, he will join a coaching team under the leadership of Mark McCall, with ambitions to revitalise a side that, while steeped in a rich history of success, missed out on this season’s Premiership play-offs.
Flanagan’s most recent role at the Dragons followed an extended stint with the Scarlets, where he built his reputation over eight years alongside a series of high-profile head coaches, including Wayne Pivac and Dwayne Peel. His time at the Scarlets saw him hone his craft, particularly in the area of attack, making him an attractive proposition for elite English sides eager to inject fresh ideas into their backroom teams.
In a candid interview with the BBC’s ScrumV podcast in March, Flanagan hinted that he was seeking new horizons, stating: “My journey probably needs to be somewhere else now to develop, experience new things. Potentially new roles, but I’ve still got a lot to offer Welsh rugby.” This latest development suggests he will have the opportunity to further develop his coaching philosophy while working with some of the biggest names in European rugby.
Saracens, who have long been recognised as one of the giants of the Premiership, continue to boast an impressive roster. Players such as British & Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje, Ben Earl, Elliot Daly, Jamie George, and Nick Tompkins are among the high-profile internationals Flanagan could soon be working alongside. Despite the club’s recent dip in fortunes, with a failure to secure a play-off spot this season, they remain well equipped to contend at the highest levels of both domestic and European competitions.
The move could signal a period of transition or even rejuvenation for Saracens’ attacking play, given Flanagan’s well-publicised abilities in that aspect of the game. Critics, however, will inevitably point to his challenging spell at the Dragons, where he struggled to reverse the club’s ongoing difficulties on the field. However, his experience in handling adversity and extracting the best from limited resources may prove invaluable as he transitions to a club with a very different set of expectations.
For Welsh rugby, Flanagan’s move represents both a loss and an opportunity. While another promising coach leaves the regional game, his experience at one of England’s most illustrious clubs could ultimately serve Welsh rugby in the future—especially if he chooses to return to the homeland armed with fresh insights.
As the rugby world awaits confirmation of the finalised deal, attention will now focus on how Flanagan adapts to his new role and whether he can imbue Saracens with the attacking edge they require. With the club keen to return to the summit of English rugby, Flanagan’s appointment could be a key step in their resurgence.
In the rapidly shifting landscape of professional rugby, coaching changes of this magnitude always attract scrutiny. What is undeniable, however, is Flanagan’s continued relevance as a leading strategist within the game—his next chapter promises to be thoroughly watched by observers on both sides of the Severn.