Backs Coach Gordon Ross has backed the talented back division at Dragons to impress as he looks to make his mark at Rodney Parade.
Former Scotland international Ross has joined Dean Ryan’s coaching set-up after leaving a role with the Academy set-up at Worcester Warriors.
Ross has quickly settled into the environment at the region’s Ystrad Mynach training base and is eager to get Guinness PRO14 rugby underway later this month.
And the 42-year-old has been thrilled by the talent at his disposal - that has only been boosted by summer recruits Nick Tompkins, Jonah Holmes and Jamie Roberts.
"As a coach, you are judged by the players that you've got and we've got a very talented squad,” said Ross.
"There was a very good group previously, but add Jamie, Nick and Jonah in there and it is pretty exciting.
"There are some excellent youngsters as well and some good competition, so touch wood we can keep the squad fit and healthy.
"Dean has been in for a season so for me it's just about tinkering with trying to make them better or finding different ways of creating opportunities in attack,” he added.
"It's just improving small things every week. I will try to keep things pretty simple and make sure we are very good at our basics, because that underpins most of what we will do in attack.”
Ross has linked up with Ryan for a second stint, after they previously worked together at Worcester.
And the former fly half is delighted to be back working in senior rugby after he held a similar role at London Welsh.
“It is exciting to join a new set-up,” said Ross, who will see his backs in action for the first time against Ospreys on Sunday, August 23.
“I wanted to get back into senior coaching and Worcester were great. They understood that if an opportunity came up then I wanted to look at it.
"It's a big step up for me, but hopefully I will learn on the move and improve what is already a very good environment.”
With less than 10 days now until league action resumes, Ross is keen for Dragons to continue to use the time wisely as they look to hit the floor running.
"The buy-in from all of the boys, regardless of their experience, has been excellent and they have had a great attitude,” he said.
"I've been impressed by the work ethic, but these fixtures coming up will be a good marker and we will see where we are at.
“We’ve got two derbies against Ospreys and Scarlets then we’re involved in Europe with the quarter-final against Bristol Bears.
“We have got some pretty big games coming up and we’re all looking forward to getting started.”
There are some excellent youngsters as well and some good competition, so touch wood we can keep the squad fit and healthy...
