Move over Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt! The real battle for No.10 is not at Downing Street but at Dragons this pre-season and fly half Josh Lewis is relishing the contest.
Lewis and his team-mates are currently in the middle of a third week of pre-season as the countdown to the new Guinness PRO14 and European campaign gathers pace.
The 27-year-old racked up 128 points in 22 games in all competitions last term and was a star performer in the epic Judgement Day victory over Scarlets in the capital.
However, he acknowledges everyone now has a point to prove to new Director of Dragons Rugby Dean Ryan with new signing Sam Davies joining Lewis, Arwel Robson and Jacob Botica in the fly half ranks.
“There are a number of people fighting for that number ten position - and that is the way it should be,” said Merthyr Tydfil-born Lewis.
“It’s going to be an interesting season for us all and we’ll see who comes out on top.
“Every year is a new start, every year there is fresh competition and that should be the case in every position.
“It’s important to hit the ground running, look to impress Dean in all you do and see where we go.
“Consistency is the key and hitting your standards every week,” he added.
“Obviously as a team we had blips last year, but if we can play like we did at Judgement Day, when we showed we have the talent and ability here, then we can make strides.
“If we can tweak a few things, and make sure we get better across the board, then we should be in the best place to have a really good year.”
Lewis believes the squad is enjoying the new environment and feel to training in pre-season.
“It was a quick summer –blink and you are back in. But we’re all enjoying pre-season and working hard,” he said.
“It’s going to be a long one this year with the World Cup happening, but there are things we need to put in place, areas to work on before we start playing. I’m sure the time will go quickly.
“We all want to hit the ground running and start with a bang. It’s a clean sheet, a new start for everyone. We all need to impress and fight for that starting spot.”
And while rugby remains the focus, the former Bath ace does have another big date to look forward to this weekend as he ties the knot with fiancée Chloe at St Augustine’s Church in Penarth.
“I’m really looking forward to it,” smiled Lewis. “It’s a very big day for both of us and it will be great to be surrounded by all our friends and family.”
Every year is a new start, every year there is fresh competition and that should be the case in every position...
