Popular prop Lloyd Fairbrother is ready to stake his claim for the No.3 jersey at Dragons – after successful switch across the front row!
Fairbrother will pack down at tighthead when Dragons face Glasgow Warriors at Scotstoun Stadium this evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
The 28-year-old has made 11 appearances this season in all competitions - but will start only his second Guinness PRO14 game.
The front row ace, who has clocked up over a century of games for the region, insists he has little complaint given Leon Brown’s impressive form.
And the Cornish-born prop has even played at loose-head in recent European Challenge Cup games following injuries and a suspension to Brok Harris.
However, he is back in his normal number three in Scotland and eager to underline his abilities as Dragons make a long-awaited return to PRO14 action.
“We’re all champing at the bit to get playing. Training has been tough and it has been a while since we played,” said Fairbrother.
“Last week was a little weird, it’s the first game since I’ve been here that has been postponed - and we’ve played at Rodney Parade in some pretty crazy conditions.
“It’s strange to prep and then not play. But now we start again and it is just part of being a professional. “It’s been a mixed season for me so far,” he added.
“Browner has had a brilliant season so I don’t mind being on the bench to him, but now he has gone I have four or five games to show that I am up to speed.
“We’ve also got Aaron Jarvis coming back and Chris Coleman coming through well so there is big competition.”
Reflecting on his short spell at loose-head, Fairbrother admits he is not against moving across the front row again if required.
“I had an opportunity so took it with both hands and felt I had some decent performances in France and against the Russians,” he said.
“If you want to test yourself then out in France is the place to do it. We stripped it back, I had a few areas to work on and I really enjoyed it.
“It’s another opportunity and I’m back to the tighthead this week – hopefully it means more money on the contract! “It’s easier than the tighthead side,” he quipped.
“When you play three you have two people coming at you and your objective is to lock it down and stay square.
“At loose-head your job is to go after them. I enjoyed it and I’ve told Ceri (Jones) it was easier… which he wasn’t too happy about.
“I’ve always prepped for one side, but feel confident after the spell at loose-head that I could have a go at both in a match. Versatility can only be good!”
Fairbrother is expecting a high tempo encounter in Scotland tonight against a Glasgow team that he acknowledges poses plenty of threats.
“They love to play and it’s a very fast track,” he smiled.
“They play from everywhere and have some dangerous individuals - it should be a big first 20 minutes.”
However, Fairbrother remains confident that Dragons can handle the heat north of the border after a season of progression under Dean Ryan.
Fairrbrother said: “I feel we’re in a really good space. Our home record speaks for itself and we’re taking each challenge as it comes.
“Dean has come in with a fresh approach and in the first few months said he didn’t have the answers. We had to find them ourselves.
“Slowly he has brought these building blocks in and is really good at the little aspects, the things you often just sweep under the carpet.
“Sometimes you look for answers elsewhere, but he has stripped it back and told us to play what is in front of us. It’s been refreshing.”
Watch the Dragons when they welcome their South African side Toyota Cheetahs to Rodney Parade on Saturday, February 29 (kick-off 5:15pm). Click HERE to buy your tickets and join us for more top Guinness PRO14 action.
He has stripped it back and told us to play what is in front of us... It's been refreshing...
