KINGSLEY Jones says the Newport Gwent Dragons management team are given plenty of food for thought by the performances of their players in the Principality Premiership, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons haven’t played since beating Zebre on September 11 and a planned friendly against Bristol fell through because the English Championship side suffered a number of injury worries.

Nonetheless, a raft of their players have been getting game time in the Premiership with youngsters gaining experience and seniors putting the heat on those who have got the nod for Guinness Pro12 action.

Last weekend Newport fielded tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother, flanker Ollie Griffiths, wing Aled Brew, centre Barney Nightingale along with scrum-half Owen Davies, lock Bryce Morgan and fly-half Arwel Robson, who are yet to make their senior regional debuts.

Bedwas included locks Matthew Screech and Joe Davies, hooker Elliot Dee and academy centre Connor Edwards.

Ebbw Vale were bolstered by hooker Rhys Buckley, number eight Harri Keddie, scrum-half Luc Jones while fly-half Angus O’Brien turned out for Cross Keys along with promising talents tighthead Leon Brown, loosehead Luke Garrett, hooker Ellis Shipp, flanker Josh Skinner and scrum-half Owain Leonard.

“It’s working well with the Premiership teams with players getting time, which is great for their development but also for the clubs,” said Jones.

“When players are playing in the Premiership you expect them to stand out and that’s happening – even a youngster like (18-year-old) Arwel Robson has been playing really well for Newport. It’s positive for everyone.”

Lock Screech could be involved against Leinster on Saturday but openside Ollie Griffiths, the standout player in last season’s Wales Under-20s side, will have to bide his time despite some stellar performances for the Black and Ambers.

“We are fortunate to have three very good openside flankers in Nic Cudd, James Benjamin and Ollie,” said Jones, himself a former back rower.

“If anyone deserves a chance next it’s probably James, who was patient last season and played well when he had opportunities.

“Ollie has great potential and will get his opportunities but at the moment it is good for him to be playing with Newport, and good for Newport as well.”