Powerhouse prop Greg Bateman has revealed the vision for long-term success was key to his decision to move to the Dragons.
Bateman, 31, made the move to Rodney Parade in the summer after his exit from Leicester Tigers.
The Surrey-born front row will hope to make his second appearance for the region in the Guinness PRO14 clash with Ulster Rugby in Belfast on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
And ahead of the trip to the Kingspan Stadium, Bateman has spoken about the motivation behind his move to Wales.
“After a chat with Dean it was interesting to speak to somebody who has a vision for something that is beyond week to week, game to game,” said Bateman, who has also played for London Welsh, Bath and Exeter Chiefs.
“What Dean is trying to build here is almost a dynasty and for me, in the later stages of my career, I really want to be part of something where we are growing and getting better each week.
“We have got a really young but exciting group and there is a lot of potential and opportunity, and hopefully there is something that I can add to.
“It’s important that we keep learning and growing but don’t just look at the big picture all the time – there are still games that need to be won every week.”
Bateman played across the front row during his time at Welford Road but admits he will be concentrating on being a loosehead at Dragons.
“It's good to have flexibility but in the past I have maybe suffered because of that,” said Bateman, who made his regional debut last time out against Zebre.
“You can sometimes be seen as a jack of all trades, but settling in that loosehead spot has been beneficial and that's where the opportunity is here.
“Brok (Harris) is a class operator and has been here a long time. He is a quality player and I am here to push for a place, which will only improve the group,” he added.
“The best environments I have been in have strong competition, so if I can push Brok to be better and Josh (Reynolds) can push me to be better then happy days.”
Bateman is also keeping very busy away from rugby and this week revealed his target of raising £1million for mental health initiatives through his craft beer business.
The front row - who has studied business administration at De Montfort University - is set to relaunch People’s Captain on November 4.
“Rugby is one of the best jobs in the world - but it doesn't last forever,” he said. “I’ve had an interest in business for a long time and have done lots of different things, and a hobby had always been craft brewing.
“I did a few brews with local brewers in Leicester and called it the People’s Captain, because that is one of my self-proclaimed nicknames.
“I made a couple of beers that just went really, really well and then during lockdown I had the opportunity to rethink everything and have a good look at it.
“I said that if I was going to do something again and run my own ship again I needed to have a purpose that's something bigger than just flogging cans of beer.
“I have had my difficulties with mental health in the past and I decided that as part of the process we would set up the People’s Captain Foundation.
“We want to raise £1million for mental health initiatives, whether they are existing or new ones.
“I am in a space now where I am in a much better place to do something about it. I am pretty fired up for it.”
Check out People’s Captain on twitter and Instagram for the relaunch on November 4 – good luck Greg!
What Dean is trying to build here is almost a dynasty and for me, in the later stages of my career, I really want to be part of something where we are growing and getting better each week...
