Challenge Cup: The resurgent Dragons aim for the ultimate European hurdle

Titia has been the architect of the rise.

Normally his public persona is someone who doesn’t give too much away but during the quarter-final win over Zebre in Italy, you saw a rare public image of him leading the celebrations.

“The huddle is a personal thing and it was great it was captured on screen, I’m very proud of the players,” said Tiatia.

Former Wales fly-half James Hook played alongside Tiatia at Ospreys. Hooke describes him as “a creature of the field and your nan’s favorite off it”.

“You can’t see all of me, maybe you can see some little bits,” Tiatia said.

“I give you what I give you. I’m not very emotional when I’m watching the game but those who know me, know the real me.”

Tiatia is in his first full season as a head coach and believes getting to know the players is a key component of any transition.

“One of the biggest things is taking care of each other,” Tiatia said.

“The players and the staff understand each other on a deep level, not just on the surface level, but actually bone deep.

“It’s about understanding the people first and then understanding the player. It’s a big change, not just trying to get the best out of them but making the players take responsibility.”

Tiyatia was asked what she meant by bone-deep. His answer was enlightening.

“The surface level is knowing people by face and saying hello respectfully,” Tiatia says.

“On a deeper level, I will introduce myself to you and tell you where I come from.

“I’m from Wellington. I’m Samoan. My first language is English, it was Samoan, I speak Japanese. I speak a little Italian.

“I’m a learner, I’m an introvert, I’m a trained extrovert. I’m calm when I’m under pressure.

“When I’m sober, I’m thinking about my family first and foremost.

“I was taught early on by my parents that gratitude is one of the greatest strengths. You realize what you have and you are grateful for it.

“These are things that I would share on a bone-deep level. Then we have a deeper understanding of each other, of our morals and values.

“Also the mistakes I made as a youngster I can now relate to the group.

“I don’t want players to make the same mistakes and become the best version of themselves. So it’s not just coaching. It’s overall growth.”