Prop Aaron Jarvis admits his lengthy injury layoff has made him appreciate his love of the game more than ever – and now he wants to help ensure Dragons remain on the front foot in 2020.
Former Wales international endured a triple injury setback with Dragons after suffering bicep, hamstring and tricep issues in quick succession.
However, the popular 33-year-old has now returned to full fitness and first team action – and is eager to make up for lost time.
“I’m enjoying my rugby,” said the Exeter-born forward. “I think that is one thing I really realised, being injured for so long, was how much I enjoy this game.
“When you have been doing this a long-time it starts to become your job.
“Having that injury, that long layoff, it makes you realise how much I do love this game and how much I enjoy playing.
“Having ten and a half months on your own, it soon makes you realise if you are taking anything for granted.”
Jarvis, who has made 21 appearances for Dragons since his move from Clermont, has been part of an impressive pack performance in recent derby games.
The 18-times capped prop – who can play either side of the scrum – has been delighted by the progress made and insists more is yet to come.
“We’ve put a lot of time and work into the set piece,” he revealed. “We’ve had different ideas and seem to be working really well as an eight.
“I don’t think it matters who is playing. We are all on the same page all the time and have made big strides, especially our scrum and driving maul.
“Our driving maul has probably not has much credit as it could at the moment. We’re not far away from scoring a few tries there and we got one last weekend.”
Next up for Dragons is the Welsh derby with Ospreys – a former region for Jarvis. And he fully expects a backlash from the men in black after a heavy defeat to Scarlets just after Christmas.
“They had a tough game last week so they will be looking to bounce back so we’ve got to be at our best,” said Jarvis.
“Ospreys have a strong front five, a strong pack and an international front five with Brad (Davies) and (Adam) Beard. “They have world class operators and they will come out firing.
“When you get beaten 44-0 you are going to have your backs to the wall and you are going to come out swinging.
“We’ve got to be at our best to even be in the game. It will definitely be tough up front. They will target this game to get their season on track.”
Watch Dragons in derby day action in the opening game of 2020 as we welcome Ospreys to Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3pm). Click HERE to buy your tickets and join us for more top Guinness PRO14 action.
I think that is one thing I really realised, being injured for so long, was how much I enjoy this game...
