Connor Edwards is planning to use the Celtic Cup as a springboard to success this season – as he bids to put a year of injury frustration behind him.
Highly-rated Edwards, 22, burst into the senior ranks at Rodney Parade during the 2017/18 season and made ten appearances after his debut in the Anglo Welsh Cup victory against the Scarlets.
The Cwmbran-born centre looked set to be an integral part of the senior ranks last season - and was named captain for the inaugural Celtic Cup – before injury struck.
A broken cheekbone in the opening game of the cup saw him ruled out before an ACL injury also meant an enforced spell on the sidelines.
However, Edwards is now back to full fitness and eager to make up for lost time when the Celtic Cup opens with an away trip to Connacht Eagles on Friday.
“I was a bit unfortunate with injuries last year,” said Edwards. “After the previous season where I played a few senior games, it was incredibly frustrating. Now I’m just looking to turn that around and get some game time.
“It’s been quite a tough pre-season so far - but I’m loving every minute.
“Obviously with my injury I’ve been out for about five months. So now it’s about getting fit again, getting ready and really put my name down for that starting jersey come the first game of the season.”
“The Celtic Cup is a big competition for me,” he added. “It’s a step up again from Welsh Premiership, it’s another leap from that.
“It’s a good stepping stone for a lot of the boys, it’s a young competition so it’s always exciting rugby.
“The boys just go out there and express themselves, so hopefully I’ll get a bit of game time there and impress and then push on with the senior team.”
Edwards spent part of last season with English Championship side Hartpury on loan and admits he learnt from the experience.
“Ultimately I want to play here,” he said. “Yes, it’s all good going out and getting experience, but this is my home region. It’s where I want to play and I want to make the place better.”
Edwards saw his talent and determination to succeed rewarded in the summer when he signed a new contract at Rodney Parade.
And he admits it is now time to repay the faith of the coaching team and keep learning off the talented centres in the ranks at Dragons.
“Getting the new deal was a huge boost after the season of injuries,” he said.
“It’s a good show of support from the Dragons, to put that sort of trust in me to go out and perform. I need to repay that by putting in good performances on the pitch.”
“I’m enjoying the competition in midfield,” he added. “Players like Tyler (Morgan), Wazza (Adam Warren) and Jack (Dixon) have helped me every time in training. Competition is only good and is going to make us all better in the long run.”
“I just want to make the region a better place. It’s where I’m from and I’m proud to be from here. That’s my goal really, to make this place better.”
It’s a good show of support from the Dragons, to put that sort of trust in me to go out and perform. I need to repay that...
