JAMES Thomas says there is no danger of Newport Gwent Dragons treating their trip to Italy like a holiday as they finish their season against Guinness Pro12 bottom club Zebre, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons bring an end to 2015/16 in Parma this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) and head coach Kingsley Jones has rung the changes with seven players coming into the XV that lost to the Scarlets last weekend.

Thomas is one of those brought in for the finale and the flanker, who hasn't played a regional game since October because of a back injury, says there will be no problem in terms of motivation despite the Rodney Parade side being unable to improve on their 10th position.

"There's a long time until our next game so we want to finish on a good win rather than a bad performance," said the 25-year-old from Blackwood.

"A lot of the boys haven't played for a while, whether through injury or selection, so we have got a good attitude going into it.

"If players are tired towards the end of the season perhaps Zebre away is not a great place to go so a few fresh faces and a lot of energy can help us get the win."

The Dragons haven't won on their travels in the Pro12 this season and their last league win away from Rodney Parade was in Treviso in March, 2015.

If they can end that nightmare run then it would provide some cheer at the end of a nightmare campaign for Thomas.

The back row/lock had hoped to build on a breakthrough season but instead has played just three games because a bulging disc that required an operation after rehab failed.

"I wanted to kick on this season but it feels like I am starting again," said Thomas, who made 28 appearances in 2014/15 after earning a professional deal thanks to his Premiership exploits with Bedwas.

"The end of the season has come at the wrong time but hopefully we can get a good win at Zebre then I can crack on in pre-season and try to forget this year."