THE Dragons are no longer training as a squad because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Dean Ryan’s squad are staying away from their Ystrad Mynach training base and will instead follow individually-tailored programmes.

The decision has been made in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union and will see players also avoiding public gyms.

The Guinness PRO14 has been suspended indefinitely – the regular season of the cross-border competition was meant to finish on May 30 – and the Dragons’ quarter-final against Bristol in the European Challenge Cup has also been postponed.

With no fixtures on the horizon, the squad have been asked to try and maintain their fitness at home after being given plans by the strength and conditioning team.

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“The health and well-being of the squad, staff and their families remains a priority and so players have been issued with personalised training plans and equipment, with the Guinness PRO14 season currently suspended indefinitely,” read a Dragons statement.

“Training plans vary depending on individual player circumstance, with the rehabilitation of those currently injured being managed by the medical team adhering to strict guidelines.

“Every member of the squad’s training will be monitored and players will be in regular contact with the backroom team, individually and as a group, using modern technology.

“The first squad video conference took place on Wednesday and this will happen on a weekly basis to ensure all relevant information is passed on and players are kept up to date.”

On Monday the Dragons announced that they were cancelling or postponing all community and commercial appearances by players.

Last weekend the WRU announced that all forms of rugby, including training and rugby-related courses, are suspended until at least Monday, March 30.