NEW signing Jack Cosgrove hasn't joined the Dragons to be a back-up and add front row depth, the prop intends to be a genuine contender for the number 1 jersey.

The 24-year-old loosehead from Coventry has signed a two-year at Rodney Parade to be reunited with forwards coach Ceri Jones, his former boss when coming through the ranks at the Worcester academy.

The Scotland Under-20s international went on to have spells at Edinburgh and Bristol, helping the Bears to win promotion back to the Premiership.

He endured a frustrating 2018/19 because of injury and was a fringe figure, making a solitary appearance for Bristol off the bench against Wasps before he moved back to the Warriors on loan for the second half of the campaign.

And that inactivity means that Cosgrove is hungry for minutes at the Dragons and keen to put the heat on his fellow props.

"You're always looking to learn off other players and Dragons have real talent in the front row, props like Ryan Bevington, Leon Brown and Aaron Jarvis who have played for Wales.

"There is a wealth of experience there, but I have aspirations to be in the team and want to be packing down on the field every week."

Cosgrove is set to battle for starts with Bevington and Brok Harris, who is out of contract but in talks with the region over an extension, with tighthead Jarvis and 20-year-old prospect Josh Reynolds also providing cover.

The loosehead is confident that he can help provide the region with a solid platform.

"I enjoyed working with Ceri and pride myself on my set piece and a strong scrum," he said.

"I watched Dragons last season and know the set piece will be a big part of the future. There are some very good players here.

"I've spoken to some of the players I know and they have told me how close the squad is, about the togetherness, and that excites me.

"You want to be part of a group that is pulling in the same direction and together as one."

Cosgrove will link up with his new teammates next week for the start of pre-season training with the aim of forcing his way in director of rugby Dean Ryan's thinking when the Guinness PRO14 gets under way at the end of September.

"It's been a frustrating two years for me with injuries to my ankle and foot," he added. "I just want to get back playing regularly now and show what I'm capable of.

"Injuries are part of sport and you have to deal with it. If anything it has made me appreciate and enjoy my rugby even more.

"My body feels really good right now and it is about translating that into training and performing on the field for Dragons."