WALES legend Jonathan Davies has insisted the fresh faces at the Dragons must “deliver the goods” next season given the faith shown in them by Bernard Jackman.

A host of signings, including Welsh internationals Ross Moriarty, Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington and Aaron Jarvis, have joined the Rodney Parade region for the 2018/19 campaign.

Former dual code star Davies is confident head coach Jackman can turn around the Dragons’ fortunes after last term’s woeful run of results.

And while he believes it’s important Jackman gets the best out of his players, Davies reckons the new recruits have to step up to the mark from the off.

“This season is going to be slightly different from last season because expectations are up and he’s made a lot of signings,” said the 55-year-old player-turned-pundit.

“I think those signings will have to deliver the goods because Bernard’s put all his faith in them – and a good start to the season is vital.

“It will be interesting to see how Richard Hibbard goes because he’s someone you need.

"He’s been to good clubs with good cultures, and if he can bring that culture and leadership with him he’s going to be instrumental. He’s not in the Welsh set-up now so he’ll be there all the time.

“You’ve got players like Rhodri Williams and Jordan Williams who left Wales because no-one gave them a contract coming back trying to prove something.

“The marquee signing is Ross Moriarty, but it all depends on how many games he’s there for because of international duty, so that’s going to be difficult.

“It will be interesting to see Josh Lewis at 10. He’s got to be pivotal and step up to orchestrate things for them.”

Davies also feels things need to change at the Dragons on a psychological level.

He added: “You need a pack to operate off a good platform and then get your defence right, and on the back of the defence I’m sure the attacking skills will come.

“There were glimpses attacking wise, but there’s an issue about mental toughness.

“Sometimes you’ve got to change that mental attitude from thinking ‘we’re always the unlucky ones’ and say ‘right, that has got to change somewhere and why can’t it be this year?’

“There was no pressure on Bernard last season because of the changes there and he had a three-year plan.

“They’ve got to improve and he knows that, and he’s putting a bit of pressure on himself by saying it’s not about last season, it’s about next season.

“The pressure is on Bernard and everyone else, but that’s no different from any job.

“Sports jobs are all about results, like any other business, but the difference is the results are in the public eye.

"You’ve got to take the pressure and adjust to it, and it’s all about getting the best out of the squad.

“If he gets the best out of the squad I think it will be a far better season for the Dragons.”

*Jonathan Davies was speaking ahead of the Icons of Rugby Golf Tournament, which takes place at the Buckinghamshire Golf Club in Denham, England on July 28-29.

Twenty-four of the world's greatest rugby players are involved in the two-day event, which sees the southern hemisphere go up against their northern hemisphere counterparts.

Davies is joined by the legendary Sir Gareth Edwards and centre Tom Shanklin as the Welshmen to tee off.

Others in the northern team include Ireland's Johnny Sexton, Brian O’Driscoll, Paul O’Connell and Keith Wood, England's Lawrence Dallaglio, Mike Tindall, Sir Clive Woodward and Jeremy Guscott and Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg.

Those representing the southern hemisphere are All Black giants Zinzan Brooke, Grant Fox, Andrew Mehrtens and Christian Cullen, Springbok 2007 World Cup winners Bryan Habana, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Fourie Du Preez and coach Jake White, plus Wallaby 1999 World Cup winners George Gregan, Matthew Burke and Tim Horan.

Two major-winning non-playing PGA captains will be announced shortly to help the teams with the selection of pairings and match play strategy, while caddies will wear Masters-style boiler suits with a number chosen by each player.​

For further information about the event, visit icons-series.com