HIS pay packet may be a few rand lighter than Montpellier's South African contingent but Newport Gwent Dragons full-back Carl Meyer is relishing the chance to lock horns with some Springboks icons – once he's got the small matter of a derby battle out of the way.

Sunday's Guinness Pro12 encounter with Cardiff Blues in the capital is prime focus for the Rodney Parade region at the moment at their Ystrad Mynach training base.

However, it's only natural that there are some thoughts of a mouth-watering European Challenge Cup semi-final in the south of France on Saturday week, especially for Meyer given his remarkable rise to become a regular in professional rugby.

While Montpellier had to bid big to secure the services of the likes of the du Plessis brothers, Pierre Spies, Frans Steyn and a glut of Super Rugby players, Meyer arrived in south Wales on a punt.

The 24-year-old from Pietermaritzburg came on a three-year sporting visa in the winter of 2014 to play for Ebbw Vale in the Principality Premiership with the aim of catching the eye of professional teams. It swiftly paid off with the Dragons giving him a shot towards the end of last season then handing him a full-time deal.

He may not be as high profile as his compatriots in Montpellier – or Dragons teammates Brok Harris, Rynard Landman and Sarel Pretorius for that matter – but the South African has become a key figure at Rodney Parade.

"We all have our different journeys and I am just grateful to have the opportunity to be playing here and continue doing what I'm doing," said the humble and affable Meyer.

"I don't know any of their South Africans personally. I was at the Sharks Academy when Francois Steyn was there so have seen him play a bit and then there is Bismarck and Jannie du Plessis and others. It will be awesome to play against them.

"It's going to be tough and they've got some world class players in their side but the boys are just up for the challenge. It should be a good weekend out in Montpellier but all that's for after Cardiff."

Meyer has reaped the rewards of taking it week by week since signing pro terms. The mantra stays the same: keep your head down, work hard and take your chances.

He has played in 24 of 26 games, making the 15 jersey his own.

"It's been awesome," he said. "I've had the mindset that I'm going to work as hard as I can and give the best for the team. So far I've been picked most weeks and I'm just grateful for the opportunity.

"I wasn't a natural full-back – I'd only played 15 as a last resort when others were injured, I was a 10 or 12 – and the coaches have helped me settle and grow in that position and I'm enjoying it at the back.

"I think I've come on leaps and bounds and I would back myself to keep improving each week. I will work hard on small things and the rest will take care of itself."

Meyer has quickly made himself at home at Rodney Parade. Literally.

The South African lives on the grounds with fly-half Dorian Jones and formerly Newport centre Andrew King, who this week returned to Australia.

A number of young Dragons have previously lived in 'the lodge' – "a rites of passage" according to Meyer – and it has been a happy house this week courtesy of the stunning Challenge Cup quarter-final win against Gloucester.

"It was a long time coming," admitted the full-back after they ended a seven-game losing streak. "We came through and are loving life at the moment.

"We enjoyed the weekend but now have a derby and all of the focus is on Cardiff. We've got a job to do before we can focus on Montpellier.

"Cardiff are probably favourites on their home ground but we will go there with the same attitude (as Gloucester). A win gives a boost and more excitement.

"It's hard to take a loss and still be positive but we have been regardless of what has been going our way and what hasn't. We come closer together and will take that into Cardiff."

Meyer was meeting participants from the Dragons Charity Bike Ride who were taking part in a track session at the International Velodrome, Newport.

The event was organised by Newport Live, who inspire people to be happier and healthier. They run the International Sports Village along with the Active Living Centre, the Newport Centre and the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre.