THE disappointed senior Dragons players who take to the field in Richmond rather than Newcastle have been told to stake their claim for a recall loud and clear by leading the charge in the British and Irish Cup.

The Dragons Premiership Select XV start their campaign at London Scottish this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) with a handful of seasoned full-timers bolstering a side of academy talent and semi-professionals.

Loosehead Phil Price, sixth on the Dragons’ list of appearances with 159, has been playing a leading leadership role this week along with scrum-half Charlie Davies, while Dorian Jones will pull the strings from fly-half.

Academy boss James Chapron knows that the seniors would prefer to be running out at Kingston Park at the start of the European Challenge Cup but has urged them to make the most of an unwanted situation.

“If you wouldn’t rather be in Newcastle then you shouldn’t be in the building. You shouldn’t be comfortable playing British and Irish Cup if you are considered a first team player,” he said ahead of the opener in Pool Three, which also includes Yorkshire Carnegie and Jersey.

“[Head coach] Bernard Jackman has watched training and he will watch footage of the game and make assessments on the boys.

“For Phil, Charlie, Dorian, their performance is key and they can’t just be comfortable with being alright.

“Charlie’s experience last year when he played B&I was crucial for us and he is not only good on a Saturday but throughout the week.

“Phil has been the same, just giving little pointers to the boys that are coming in because it is a step up for everyone.”

The senior players are joined by some promising prospects on the Dragons’ books and some Premiership talent that might have what it takes to play at a higher level.

“Like Robson Blake proved, if you play well you can earn yourself a move to a regional team,” said Chapron, referring to the Dragons back row forward.

“The reality is that a 32-year-old playing in the Premiership is probably not going to do that so we try and pick younger players that we think can hold their hand up.

“We try and pick a particular demographic to meet our development needs and it will be good to see what happens.”

London Scottish: Ingall, Coombes, Neal, Lyle, Stevenson, Strang, Hoadley; Eliet, Marley, Walker (c), Gillanders, Baillie, Waldren, Austin, Appiah.

Replacements: George, Onyeama Christie, G.Smith, Uanivi, Berry, Barton, JL.Smith.

Dragons PS: J Prosser (Cross Keys), T Fricker (Ebbw Vale), C Smith (Newport RFC), B Nightingale, R Dyer, D Jones, C Davies (captain); P Price, E Shipp, K Bale, S Andrews, L Randall (Ebbw Vale), B Roach, S Matthews (Cross Keys), J Sheekey.

Replacements; A Rees (Ebbw Vale), J Lavender (Newport RFC), G Harris (Newport RFC), J Skinner (Cross Keys), N Hudd (Bedwas), J Leadbetter (Cross Keys), J Goodchild.