NEWPORT Gwent Dragons get their pre-season fixtures under way tonight when a development side take on RGC 1404 at Eirias Park in Colwyn Bay (7.30pm).

The Men of Gwent have been in North Wales for a training camp ahead of the start of the new Guinness Pro12 season on Friday, September 2 when they face Ulster in Belfast.

They are expected to field stronger teams for their three other warm-up games against Cardiff Blues, Ealing Trailfinders and Exeter Chiefs – the Cardiff Blues clash is a beneficiary match for Ashley Smith and Lewis Evans.

RGC 1404 were promoted to the Principality Premiership last season and will be keen to step up their preparations for the 2016/17 campaign against the Gwent region.

Dragons friendlies:

RGC 1404 at Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, tonight, 7.30pm

Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade, Friday, August 12, 7.30pm

Ealing Trailfinders at CCBC Centre for Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach, Saturday, August 20, 3pm

Exeter Chiefs at Rodney Parade, Friday, August 26, 7.30pm