LEWIS Evans is confident that the ‘one percenters’ provided by the Welsh Rugby Union takeover can help transform the Dragons’ fortunes in the coming campaign.

The back row forward passed Steve ‘Jabba’ Jones to become the region’s record appearance holder last season and has racked up 204 games since his 2006 debut.

The 30-year-old from Newport is preparing for a 12th campaign in Dragons colours and is confident of a much-improved campaign after captaining the side for a chastening 2016/17.

The Rodney Parade side finished one-from-bottom in the Guinness PRO12 and ended the campaign with 12 straight defeats amid the uncertainty over their future.

But Evans believes the WRU getting the green light to take the reins has ensured that bright times are ahead in the east under new boss Bernard Jackman.

“After all the uncertainty about what was going on we now know where we are and have a clear vision,” he said.

“I’ve never been more excited to be a part of this region and I think it’s going to be an exciting year for us.

“It is clear that we will have a lot of support from the WRU with additional help, whether it be the nutritional side of things, health and conditioning and with a few extra guys here.

“All these little one percenters are helping to make a mindset change. That’s the biggest thing Bernard has tried to do in his initial weeks here, get that mindset right and make sure we are prepared to work hard.

“If we want to change then we have to be open-minded and as soon as we turned up Bernard set his stall out and has a positive mindset.”

Evans has got used to life on the Dragons rollercoaster since coming through the ranks and learning from the likes of Colin Charvis, Michael Owen, Jamie Ringer and Richard Parks.

The back rower is confident that the current crop can enjoy a strong season, turning potential into positive results.

“One thing I said a lot last year, and it got a bit boring, was that the ability was certainly there in our team. That view’s only been strengthened now,” said the Argus columnist.

“There should be nothing to hold us back. My biggest focus for this season was that there would be no excuses and that we would leave no stone left unturned.

“That was something I was going to try to bring this year anyway… and it’s already been brought by other people. Our attention to detail is going to be unbelievable.

“Bernard may have one or two preconceptions from last year, and has clearly looked at a lot of footage to identify some areas for improvement, but everyone has a clean slate and we’re excited by that.”