26-year-old fullback will make his third start of the season for the men of Gwent as they take on Ulster at Ravenhill. Newport Gwent Dragons still have a top six place in the RaboDirect PRO12 table in their sights, currently being seventh, and understand that playing Ulster at home will be a challenge.
At the beginning of the season the welsh region beat Ulster at Rodney Parade in a 15-8 clash as the defence held up alongside Tovey putting in a man of the match performance with his golden boot. Fullback Rhys Jones, who took on the kicking duties against Glasgow Warriors last weekend’ comments on how he feels travelling to Ravenhill.
“I am really looking forward to going back to Ravenhill – I got my first Welsh cap up at Ravenhill so it will be nice to go back there. I have great memories there and it was a win when I last went there so hopefully we can repeat that tonight with another win,” said Jones.
“Ulster have a great squad there with a lot of world class players. Ruan Pienaar, just to name one, is a fantastic player for them and he is a great kicker so I am going to have to keep my eye on him. He has a great kicking game and I am expecting him to use the conditions at Ravenhill to his advantage. They always seem to be a bit wet and windy up there so I am expecting him to put that ball around.”
Talking about the transition between the 7s squad and Newport Gwent Dragons, he said, “It’s not difficult making the change between 7s and fullback – the only thing that is difficult is the training and the timings of what I am spending here and when I am away with the 7s. Sometimes the tournaments are a very quick turnaround so you don’t have time to come back and spend time with your club team, but the playing is an easy transition.
“With the 7s we have Hong Kong and Tokyo in three or four weeks time, so hopefully I will be selected and go away for them, but when I am not away with the 7s I will be coming back and joining in with the Dragons hopefully.
“It has been a fantastic opportunity playing for the Dragons whilst I am away from the 7s. I really enjoyed it last week and hopefully I can improve on the weak areas of my game last week and have a stronger performance this against Ulster.”
Newport Gwent Dragons next home fixture is against Connacht on Sunday 23rd March, KO 15:05.
Tickets are already on sale, click here to buy yours.
