Jones to hand Dragons youth chance to shine

The Dragons drafted in former Wales full-back Lee Byrne over the summer - and promptly made him skipper - while Andy Powell has also returned to the country for another crack at the GUINNESS PRO12.

Those marquee signings could well see the Welsh region clamber up the table after finishing ninth last year, yet Jones says there are players already at the club who are ready to make the leap to the next level.

20-year-old hooker Elliot Dee appeared six times in the league last season and Jones points to his pack as possessing the blend of youth and experience required to mix it with the best.

"The players that excite me most are the young players that are coming into the environment," said Jones.

"I think Elliot Dee has a big future and for Tyler Morgan it's just a matter of time before he puts the red shirt on.
"But there are other fellas there with a lot of natural ability. And up front we've got a lot of experience.

"At the moment we are trying to develop a front five that deal with the power that the English, French and top four in the PRO12 offer.

"If we can deal with that power then we can play and put our own stamp on the game."

First up for the Dragons is a date with Pat Lam's Connacht at The Sportsground on Saturday, who will also be eyeing a top-half surge this year.

"Connacht are a side that are continually improving and I thought they made huge strides last year and they've made some good signing again," Jones added.

"No doubt they are different to a lot of teams and they keep on improving so we've also got to do the same thing as well.

"We've got the opening game against them and for us it'll be a great game of rugby."

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