NEWPORT Gwent Dragons’ British and Irish Cup squad are to have a tune-up for the tournament against Harlequins on Monday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons’ squad, which will contain fringe players, academy talent and those who have caught the eye in the Principality Premiership, will lock horns with the Quins at the Twickenham Stoop (kick-off 7.30pm).

“We are going into the British and Irish Cup shortly and we need to see people play,” said director of rugby Lyn Jones.

“This B&I Cup is going to grow in stature and importance in the development programme that we have.

“I am really excited by it. We will be taking 27 or 28 players up and we want to see everybody play, it’s all about being a team and the quicker they come together the easier it will be.

“There are a lot of good players in Gwent and all four sides are doing well at the moment.”

The Dragons, who are yet to finalise their BIC coaching team, open their campaign at Connacht Eagles on November 14 and take on Jersey at Cross Keys the following Sunday.

They travel to Doncaster on Saturday, December 12 and welcome the Knights to Bedwas’ Bridge Field on Saturday, December 19.

The away trip to Jersey is on Saturday, January 16 with the group finale against Connacht Eagles at Ebbw Vale’s Eugene Cross Park on Saturday, January 23.

Quins will use the clash to allow their academy and fringe players the chance to stake a claim for starts in the Aviva Premiership A League, which starts next month.

Academy manager Tony Diprose said: “Monday will be great to get a chance for us to see some more of our younger players in a Harlequins shirt.

“The side is likely to be a mix of some senior squad players who have not had much game time yet and some of the younger guys who have been playing at loan clubs.

“It gives them all a great chance to show off the work they have done over the long pre-season.”