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Robson keen to impress after 'roller coaster' year

Fly half Arwel Robson is eager to take his chance to shine when he faces Northampton Saints – after what he admits has been a ‘rollercoaster’ year at Dragons.

Robson will make his second start of the season when Dragons head to England and Franklin’s Gardens in the third round of the European Challenge Cup on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm). 

It will be an occasion that rekindles happy memories for the 21-year-old – he made his first senior start against Northampton in the Anglo-Welsh Cup in November 2017.

And Robson is keen to use the game as a springboard for a successful second half of the campaign after injuries have limited game time to date. 

“It’s been quite a frustrating 12 months for me,” he admitted. “I’ve had three ankle injuries, I’ve come back and then had games injured again. Hopefully all the injuries are now behind me.

“I’ve got a big opportunity this weekend. It is a big challenge going away to Northampton but one I am really looking forward to.

“I just want to go on the field and play. It has been frustrating and, after being stuck in the gym for a few months, I’m really looking forward to it and hopefully I can take my opportunity.

“Last year was important for my development and I learnt a lot, even though it was only a few games,” he added. 

“I felt good going into this season, but then had two operations so that was disappointing. I just want to play, I have missed playing and it’s the worst time sat on the sidelines watching games.”

Robson has praised the impact of fly half team-mate Jason Tovey who has impressed in recent times.

“Tovey has done a great job. He has knuckled down, bought into the systems and brings real experience,” said Robson.

“When I was in the Academy he was here and he was great to me then. He’s been great again, passing on his knowledge, and he has played well.”

However, Tovey will be ineligible for the next two weeks of European action meaning opportunity now knocks for Robson.

“My first start for the Dragons was actually away at Northampton in the Anglo-Welsh Cup,” smiled Robson.

“It’s a great stadium to play at and we went there last year, when they had their Premiership side out and we had our Anglo-Welsh team, and the first half was good.

“They will have a big set piece so it is about moving them around and playing with tempo. 

“In attack we are keen to move the ball around, especially against a big English pack. They will have big forwards so we need to move them around.

“We’re going there to win the game,” he added. “We’re not going to throw the ball around and be silly. We have a game plan and hopefully we can execute that.

“We’ve had a good record in Europe, with semi-finals in recent years, so we will look forward to this competition. We’ll look to play and there are a few opportunities for boys to come in and show what they can do.

“It’s been such a rollercoaster the last 12 months with the injuries. I’m just happy to be back and hopefully I can stay fit and see the season out with no injuries.”

Dragons return to Rodney Parade for the final Welsh derby of 2018 against the Ospreys on December 30. 

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