NEWPORT Gwent Dragons can tap into a Paris success when attempting to take control of their European Rugby Challenge Cup group in Castres while Adam Hughes is inspired by a night to remember in La Rochelle.

The Dragons head to the Stade Pierre Antoine on Saturday (kick-off 4pm) looking to claim a Top 14 scalp for a second season running after their stunning success against Stade Francais in October, 2014.

Lyn Jones' side upset the Parisians on their own turf with their expansive approach earning a five-point haul, scores coming from scrum-half Richie Rees, hooker Rhys Thomas, wing Hallam Amos and flanker Nic Cudd.

If they can repeat the trick by winning in Castres then they would be command of a tough group thanks to their opening weekend 30-12 success against Sale at Rodney Parade.

Hughes, a try scorer against the Sharks, said: "A bonus-point win sets us up and the Dragons won in France last season and I won in La Rochelle with Exeter. It's a great feeling to win over there and would be a huge achievement.

"I've never played at Castres and it will be a new experience for all of us. They have some great players, although I'm not sure what team they will pick.

"But we will go full whack and give it our best shot, then we've got a double-header against Pau when it'd be great to play against (New Zealand World Cup winner) Conrad Smith and test myself against the best."

The 25-year-old from Croesyceiliog has started all four games for the Dragons since joining on loan from the Chiefs.

That deal is set to expire in January, meaning that he is attempting to secure knockout European rugby for the Dragons that he won't feature in.

"I am just giving it my best for however long I am here," said Hughes, who made 80 appearances for the region before initially leaving for Bristol in January, 2014.

"Exeter are reviewing my games and will lose quite a few players to England (in the Six Nations) so there will be opportunities there.

"I am just doing my best for the Dragons, this is a shop window for me and I am enjoying playing regularly. It's four starts in a row for me now and I'm building nicely."

Castres have registered Scotland number eight Johnnie Beattie, Samoan speedster David Smith, New Zealand great Sitiveni Sivivatu and France World Cup squad members centre Remi Lamerat and wing Remi Grosso in their European squad.

The 2013 French champions currently sit 10th in the Top 14 after avoiding relegation by the skin of their teeth last season.