NEWPORT Gwent Dragons may have been angered at being denied the chance to sell Taulupe Faletau but up-and-coming openside Ollie Griffiths is thrilled to be learning from one of the world's best back rowers.

The 20-year-old from Newbridge made his first start for the Dragons in Sunday's 19-12 loss to Ulster at Rodney Parade, impressing when locking horns with Ireland ace Chris Henry.

Griffiths has been tipped for the top following his exploits last season with Wales Under-20s and when becoming the youngest captain in the rich history of Newport RFC.

And the flanker is relishing the chance to keep developing under the watchful eye of a number of teammates, including Faletau after he was denied a move to Bath when the Welsh Rugby Union told the Rodney Parade side the number eight had to see out the contract that expires in the summer.

"There are a lot of boys in the back row that I can learn from – Lewis Evans, Toby, Nic Cudd," said Griffiths.

"They are really experienced and you are always on a learning curve when you are a young player so it's good to have those players around you."

"Toby is great to play alongside," he continued. "He's a British and Irish Lions with loads of Welsh caps. He gives tips here and there when he can but it's just his presence and experience that feeds off onto others."

Griffiths had had to be patient when waiting for a start after being limited to cameos off the bench because of the form of breakdown specialist Nic Cudd, who was injured for last Sunday's encounter.

Sale visit Newport on Sunday in the opening round of the European Rugby Challenge Cup and the youngster would love another crack.

"It would have been a lot better if we had come away with a win but it was nice to get out there and get a full 80 under my belt," said Griffiths.

"I made a couple of mistakes out there that I will be looking to put right but I was relatively happy with my performance.

"Fair play, Cuddy has been playing really well and there's good competition with him and James Benjamin.

"It was nice to get a chance to get out there against Ulster and I'd love another chance against Sale."