CENTRE Jack Dixon didn’t have his finest hour in Newport Gwent Dragons colours when the Welsh region lost to Leinster in Dublin last December.

Having been given a tough time by the likes of Isa Nacewa and Tom Daly, Dixon was replaced by Geraint Rhys Jones after 52 minutes of the 28-15 defeat at the RDS.

The Irish province, minus injured skipper Nacewa, visit Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 7.30pm) for the return Guinness PRO12 fixture with the Dragons.

And Dixon, whose previous Dragons outing was in the Anglo-Welsh Cup against Gloucester on February 4, is looking forward to the challenge.

Assessing his season so far, the 22-year-old said: “It’s been a bit up and down.

“I’ve had a few good performances and some I’ve been a bit frustrated with.

“I feel like I’m picking up a bit of form again and looking forward to the weekend.

“Where I am now, I just want to get as much game time with the Dragons as I can and put in some good performances, and then reassess at the end of the season.”

While Leo Cullen’s Leinster are looking good for a top-four play-off place in second, the Dragons, in ninth, simply want to pick off as many of the teams above them as possible between now and the end of the campaign.

They beat tomorrow’s opponents 23-13 in the corresponding match last term and did the double over them two seasons ago.

With players out injured and a host of squad members on international duty, Cullen’s men could be there for the taking again this time around.

“Whoever Leinster put out they are a quality team,” added Dixon. “It’s going to be a big challenge but we’re looking forward to it.

“We’ve got a good home record this season and we’re confident on our own patch.

“Results haven’t really gone our way the last couple of weeks but we’re still confident.

“Leinster are coming over and we’re looking to put in a big performance.”

Despite not being involved with the Dragons of late, Dixon has had game time with Bedwas in the Principality Premiership, and going back to his old club is something he relishes.

“I haven’t been involved too much with the Dragons in the last couple of weeks,” he said. “I played with Bedwas up in Carmarthen two weeks ago to keep ticking over.

“I always enjoy playing for Bedwas. They seem to throw the ball around quite a lot and they are very enjoyable games to play in.”