Ross Moriarty is confident that the Dragons now have the depth to cope without their Wales contingent during the long autumn period.
The 26-year-old will be away on Test duty until December along with fellow back row forward Aaron Wainwright, hooker Elliot Dee, tighthead Leon Brown, centre Nick Tompkins and wing/full-back Jonah Holmes.
While Wales are taking on France and Scotland before four Autumn Nations Cup fixtures, the Dragons have a block of six Guinness PRO14 action.
Last season Dean Ryan's struggled in the fixtures that clashed with the internationals being away but in 2020/21 there seems to be more cover.
Experience has been added in the shape of former Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts and ex-Leicester prop Greg Bateman while the likes of Adam Warren, Jared Rosser, Richard Hibbard and Aaron Jarvis are able to slot in for the Test absentees.
Even without Moriarty and Wainwright, the back row can feature Wales hopefuls Ollie Griffiths and Taine Basham.
"We made a quite a few new signings and got the win last Friday, even if it wasn't as comfortable as we would have liked," said Moriarty to the South Wales Argus.
"I think that we have got a good group of boys now and have got strength in depth. Jamie has come in and that has helped us a lot, he's got so much experience and is still a great player.
"There are plenty of back rowers to pick from and they will want to be here with Wales as well, so they will be doing the best they can.
"We all know what Taine is capable off and he had a good game against Zebre. He will be disappointed at not being here but will be doing everything he can to put his name forward."
The Dragons begin this busy period with a trip to Belfast to take on Ulster this Sunday and will hope to build off last week’s bonus point victory over Zebre at Rodney Parade.
