Lock Matthew Screech wants to celebrate his new contract with success on the road in Scotland – and is adamant that Dragons must not dwell on last season as they make the trip to Glasgow.
Screech – who this week penned a new deal with the Men of Gwent – is named in the second row in a much-changed side to face the Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium.
Head Coach Dai Flanagan is without 21 players – 15 through injury and six on international duty – for the BKT United Rugby Championship encounter.
And Dragons also face a first clash at Scotstoun Stadium since the heavy 73-33 loss in Europe last April.
However, Screech – who now stands on 183 games for the club - insists a young team will travel with confidence and not reflect on last season as they bid to secure a third win of the league campaign.
“Glasgow is always a tough place to go, but every team in this league is tough now,” he stressed.
“The plastic pitches are quick, the speed of ball is quick, and they are big boys on top of that.
“We are looking forward to it. It’s a place where we have had joy in the past, it is not that we can’t do it.
“We’ve gone up there before with a young squad and performed.
“We can’t dwell on last season. This is a new one so let’s go up there and have a go. We have nothing to lose.”
Screech will hope to make it a double celebration this week after putting pen to paper on a new contract in midweek. And he has reflected on his decision to extend and chase down more milestones.
He said: “Since I’ve been back, I’ve really enjoyed the environment that Dai (Flanagan) has brought in, and it was a no brainer for me.
“I’m looking forward to the next couple of years. It would be nice to reach 200 games for the club, but I would probably need another one (contract) to beat Shanksey (Lewis Evans). But it is something to chase down and hitting 200 would be special.
“Dragons gave me an opportunity when I didn’t really have one.
“I came down on a chance when I was younger, and Lyn Jones gave me a chance.
“I owe a lot to the opportunities given here and always proud to pull the jersey on here. It means a great deal.”
Tickets for the upcoming league fixtures with Vodacom Bulls and Zebre Parma at Rodney Parade are on sale NOW! Take your place by clicking HERE or calling 01633 670 690 during office hours.
We can’t dwell on last season. This is a new one so let’s go up there and have a go. We have nothing to lose...
