CHIEF executive Stuart Davies is targeting a packed house at Rodney Parade when the Dragons kick off the Bernard Jackman era in September.

The Irishman was unveiled as head coach of the region in Newport on Tuesday while the Welsh Rugby Union announced that, as previously promised by the new owners, the city's name and Gwent had been dropped with immediate effect.

The governing body have promised a more Gwent-centric approach to matters and Dragons chief executive Davies is eyeing a bumper crowd at their 8,469-capacity home when they get things under way in the Guinness PRO12.

The Dragons' biggest attendance last season was just 6,746 for the New Year's Day clash in the rain against the Ospreys – smaller than the 7,326 for Newport County's finale against Notts County – while the high the previous campaign was 8,226 for the festive derby against Cardiff Blues.

Even the European Challenge Cup quarter-final against the men from the capital in 2015 failed to sell out (8,119) but Davies wants to fill the stands for their league opener.

"We will be trying to have every seat covered, absolutely," said the chief executive, with season ticket details set to be released in early July and PRO12 fixtures announced at the end of that month, although the Exiles are away in the first weekend of September.

"Through whatever initiative, whether special deals for game one or engagement with the clubs of Gwent, we want Rodney Parade rocking."

"We are going to be busting a gut to make sure that matchday here feels right and that it's the place to be whether you are from Newport, Usk or wherever," he continued.

"We are the Dragons now – that's decision made, no turning back and I hope everyone understands the reasoning behind it.

"It was necessary and I hope everyone puts it [the name issue] to bed now and gets behind the side so that we can all benefit from what this place should be.

"We've already started engaging with opinion-shapers and influencers in Gwent and we are looking for a lot of feedback.

"We are meeting with supporters and sponsors as to how we can do things differently and more innovatively.

"All of that is pointed towards creating a buzz around the place but most importantly getting the support in so that the product on the field is improved.

"Your classic Dragons supporter hasn't been used to success and the negative reaction hasn't been because we've lost but the manner, the style or lack of ambition.

"It's not going to be transformational overnight, there is no magic wand or £2million, £3million or £4million more going on the playing budget.

"But in terms of the intent, hopefully that will show immediately and everyone will get behind it."

Free Press Series:

Davies is hopeful that an attacking brand of rugby promised by Jackman will help retain supporters throughout the season and has been impressed by the early efforts of the Irishman.

"The players are all points north, south, east and west in June but the timing of Bernard's announcement means that he gets them from day one," said the chief executive.

"He's been on board a week but has probably done about three weeks of work in that making sure he has made contact with everyone, whether that be senior players or backroom staff.

"He has touched base with people to get their take on things before starting to form his own opinions.

"Bernard has come in with some strong ideas and we have heard about his positive intent. We want to play positive, ambitious rugby and I think we have the ammunition to do that.

"It's a fresh voice, he will bring a few innovations and the guys will probably straighten their backs a bit to impress the new guy. It's very timely for him to be coming on board."