A WIN for Newport Gwent Dragons in Russia on Saturday would be the perfect way for Matthew Screech to start his birthday celebrations.

The second row turns 24 next Monday, two days after the Dragons take on Enisei-STM in the European Challenge Cup at the Trud Stadium in Krasnodar.

Going via Moscow, Screech and his Dragons teammates travel out to the city by the Black Sea today for their first game on the road in European competition this season.

And, after the Russians beat Worcester 19-12 in the tournament’s opening round of fixtures last weekend, Screech is well aware of the threat the Dragons’ opponents will pose.

The Welsh region also tasted success in their Challenge Cup opener with a 37-16 defeat of French side Brive at Rodney Parade.

“I’ve never been to Russia before,” said Screech. “I checked the weather and it’s about 13C, so I don’t think it is going to be as cold as it was for Connacht last year when they had to play in Siberia.”

Going to play in Russia would be something of a trip into the unknown for most teams, but not so for the Dragons.

“I don’t know too much about them but obviously Kingsley (Jones, Dragons head coach) coached Russia for a couple of years,” added former Cardiff Blues lock Screech.

“He has been giving us a few tips about them and he knows a few of the players.

“It’s going to be a big test out there but it’s something we’ve got to enjoy.

“I know they will be a big bunch of boys who are going to be fired up.

“They beat Worcester so they are going to be looking for another win, and we wouldn’t expect anything less really.”

That victory over Brive gave the Dragons some respite from their poor start to the Guinness Pro12, just as European rugby did for them throughout the whole of last term.

But the forward, who is now into his fourth season in Dragons colours, believes they are not that far away from turning the corner in the league.

“I think we’re going in the right direction and hopefully the wins will start coming for us,” he said.

“The coaches and the players are working tirelessly to improve our results in the Pro12.

“In the games we lose we don’t get blown away, it’s only by a couple of points.

“It’s only a matter of time before those points will be in our favour.”