James Benjamin has kicked off a tenth pre-season with the Men of Gwent this summer eager to push his claims for a jersey ahead of a big season for the homegrown forward.
One of the club’s most popular talents having progressed through the Dragons Academy and age grade ranks, Benjamin was a cog in the back row unit before switching position just over two years ago.
Benjamin has been converted to hooker and the 28-year-old acknowledges it has been a steep learning curve as he adapts to a new position and role in the team.
However, as he brings up a decade of pre-season preparation, the Rogerstone ace is ready to knuckle down once more and make his mark.
“Pre-season has gone well,” said Benjamin, who made his senior debut for Dragons at flanker against Wasps at Rodney Parade in 2013.
“I’m back after a calf tweak so it’s straight back in with the boys.
“There has been a nice twist on things with a new Head Coach (Dai Flanagan) coming in and we’ve had plenty of ball work too.
“Pre-season never gets any easier, you’ve got to put the hard yards in, but it’s still enjoyable and the environment and atmosphere around the place is really good. We’re all working hard together.”
Reflecting on the last two seasons, Benjamin looks at the positives that have come from his time changing position and the amount he has already learnt.
He said: “The first season was a little disrupted because, with Covid, you couldn’t get the game time, so a lot of work was conditioning on the training field.
“Last season I featured in friendlies with Leicester and Wasps before going on loan at the start of the year to Cornish Pirates. That was a great experience, I got more time in the English Championship and you learn so much playing.
“I came back here and played some games for Dragons, a few in Europe, and I took so much from those. Now it’s about kicking on.
“I guess I’m now a member of the front row union,” he smiled.
“It’s been great working with Elliot (Dee) and Bradley (Roberts) has also arrived now. There are plenty of guys to learn off.
“Now it’s about building and showing I can compete for a place. I still have lots to learn, but I want to push for a place like any other player.”
The United Rugby Championship (URC) fixtures have been released this week and Dragons can look forward to a date with Edinburgh at the DAM Health Stadium on day one before Munster and the Cell C Sharks arrive at Rodney Parade.
And with home pre-season games against Bristol Bears and Wasps also fast approaching, Benjamin believes there is plenty to look forward to with renewed optimism.
“There are no easy games in the URC. Edinburgh have been very good the last few years so that will be a big first up,” he said.
“It’s also going to be good to back home in front of the fans. Bristol and Wasps are powerful English sides so that will be a good test for us.
“We’ll all want to be involved in those games and get back out on home soil. It’ll be good to see the fans again.”
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It’s also going to be good to back home in front of the fans. Bristol and Wasps are powerful English sides so that will be a good test for us...
