Rhodri Williams believes Dragons are ready for the Guinness PRO14 restart and the intensity of two derby days.
Dean Ryan’s men make the trip west to face Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 2.15pm).
It will be 170 days since Dragons last played in the competition, after the Covid-19 pandemic saw the league suspended.
“We’re building nicely and we’ve had plenty of time over lockdown to strip things back and build on the season we’ve had so far. Hopefully we can now deliver when we restart,” said Williams.
“You can see the intensity is cranking up, players are aware the games are now just around the corner and everyone wants to be involved.
“It’s been like a pre-season for us, which is never the nicest time of the year,” he added. “But it’s about getting the small pieces, that make all the difference in games, spot on.
“Sessions are getting tough, but it’s what we need so we are ready.
“We’ve spoken as a group that it’s all about the long-term plan, but that is not taking away from these next two league games.
“They are Welsh derbies so the boys will be well up for them before we have a quarter-final in Europe. These games matter so we are excited about this period.”
Dean Ryan will have the option to feature the likes of Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins and Jamie Roberts in the games after they signed in the summer months.
And Williams has been impressed by the way the new arrivals have settled in and quickly made an impact.
“The new boys have been very, very good,” he said. “We won’t hide away from the fact that we have had a successful summer in terms of recruitment.
“There’s some high quality and when someone arrives of Jamie’s calibre, with 94 caps and all the experience he has got, it makes a difference.
“Nick (Tompkins) has come from a club like Saracens so he demands the best. He has grown up in a winning side so he brings that attitude and perspective.
“I feel like we’ve strengthened in all areas and now it is about putting it all together. It’s an exciting time to be a Dragon.
“Players come in and raise the bar and competition levels - you have to go with that or get left behind,” he added.
“We talk about a long-term plan so boys like Jamie and Nick will bring on the youngsters, filter that experience down and help us to get stronger.”
You can see the intensity is cranking up, players are aware the games are now just around the corner and everyone wants to be involved...
