Jones eyes end to injury woes

The Welsh region head to Ulster on Saturday with ten first team players injured, including captain Lee Byrne, a further three requiring late fitness tests and Taulupe Faletau leading a trio of Wales call-ups.

Back-to-back European jaunts then follow the visit to the Kingspan Stadium, before a welcome return to Rodney Parade to take on Munster on 21st November.

Jones' Dragons have claimed just a solitary win from their opening six PRO12 fixtures, but the 45-year-old is hopeful their season will turn once he has a full compliment of players to choose from.

"There's light at the end of the tunnel and Munster's the golden game for us," Jones told the South Wales Argus.

"Ideally players need a week's full training before they return and we are in a position now where we are trying to push people on."

Though Newport's domestic form so far has been poor, they received a welcome boost with a bonus-point win over Stade Francais in Paris earlier this month.

And Jones has told his players the secret to toppling high-flying Ulster this weekend will be to travel to Belfast with a fearless attitude.

"We went to Stade Francais with the approach of enjoying ourselves and we won so we have to do the same at Ulster," he added.

"I've always had the philosophy, whether as a player or coach, that away from home you have everything to gain and nothing to lose.

"It's going to be a huge test in a tough environment, but we are going to learn an awful lot about our young players."

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