RHYS Buckley says Newport Gwent Dragons are determined to go out with a bang at Rodney Parade when they play their final home game of the season against one of Europe's best tomorrow evening, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons play their final Newport game of 2016/17 when they entertain Guinness PRO12 title contenders Ulster (kick-off 7.35pm).

The region have moved the Scarlets derby to Principality Stadium for Judgement Day and must play Cardiff Blues at another Gwent ground, still to be confirmed, because of a fixture clash with Newport County.

The Dragons have spent the last fortnight licking their wounds after heavy defeats to Leinster (54-22) and Glasgow (47-17) and Buckley is determined to right some wrongs in front of the Parade faithful.

"Ulster is a massive challenge again," said the hooker. "They are one of the top teams in Europe and we know that our last two performances were not where they should have been.

"We need to repay some of the supporters in our last game at Rodney Parade for the season. We have to go out with a bang, it will be tough but we will give it everything.

"We were poor in the last two games, so have to put that right as a squad. We can't concede 100 points in two games, that's not acceptable, and our last game at home is massive."

The front rower won't go up against Lions hopeful Rory Best, who is being rested after captaining Ireland in the Six Nations, but knows he will be slugging it out with a formidable visiting front eight.

But Buckley, a replacement when the sides met in Belfast on the opening day of the season, hopes to put himself about and reap the rewards of toil with the conditioners.

The 27-year-old from Caldicot has made 22 appearances so far this season – the most he's made in four campaigns with the Dragons – and believes he is a better pound-for-pound hooker.

"It's been a good season for me," he said. "I've stayed injury-free for the first time in about four years and while it's not nice to see the other hookers injured, you have to take your chance.

"Last year I finished the season a bit heavier that I should have been but they worked a lot with me in pre-season to get me fitter and it has paid off.

"(Conditioning coaches) Ryan Harris and Simon Church have worked with me to lose a bit of body fat because you look at Elliot Dee and the younger hookers coming through and they are mobile.

"I had to adapt and I am getting around the park more and lasting longer. I'm feeling good, the body is holding out and I want to finish off with some big games now."

The Dragons and Ulster will name their teams at midday.