Mark Jones praises Tom Rogers after Ospreys full-back display against Dragons

Ospreys head coach Mark Jones praised Tom Rogers after the Wales back was named man of the match in the derby victory over Dragons at Rodney Parade. According to BBC Sport Wales, Rogers started at full-back after playing on the right wing in Ospreys' opening two United Rugby Championship fixtures against Sharks and Lions.

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Rogers, 27, moved from Scarlets to Ospreys during the summer intending to play mainly at full-back. Jones said he regarded the recruit as someone who could cover more than one position in the backline. Against Dragons, Rogers contributed both as a runner and in defence, including an intervention that prevented number eight Harri Keddie from scoring.

Jones highlighted Rogers' ability to get past the first defender and give Ospreys forward momentum. He also praised his judgement over whether to run or kick, apart from one chip, and his work covering space behind the defensive line. The win was Ospreys' first of the 2026-27 campaign and ended Dragons' unbeaten start to the season.

Scarlets also secured their first victory of the campaign, with a late Sam Costelow penalty completing a comeback against Benetton. They had trailed 21-7 at half-time before their outside backs helped reverse the contest. Full-back Blair Murray, who was named player of the match, scored from an interception, while Ellis Mee crossed twice and Macs Page supplied a break that helped create one of Mee's tries.

Scarlets director of rugby Nigel Davies told the BBC that first-half errors had restricted his side's ability to involve those players. He said they achieved that more effectively after the interval, while stressing the need for greater consistency across matches. Davies also praised Page's speed, low centre of gravity and understanding of the game, describing him as an established selection in his team.

The performances came before Wales head coach Steve Tandy names his Nations Championship squad on 20 October. Rogers scored three tries for Wales against New Zealand in November 2025, while Mee started against Argentina and South Africa in July. Page remains uncapped, having travelled to Japan with Wales in 2025 without playing. No selection decision on the three players was reported.