NEWPORT Gwent Dragons sit proudly at the top of the Celtic League table today after being dismissed as no-hopers.

The Dragons shot to the head of the table after they leapfrogged previous leaders Ulster by staging a stunning recovery to beat them 27-19 at Rodney Parade on Saturday.

And with Newport three points clear at the head of the Premier Division it's double top for Gwent rugby. The Dragons squad were labelled as rejects and certainties to be the last of the new Welsh regions in the league and destined for the Parker Pen competition next season rather than the Heineken Cup.

But the Dragons have rocked Irish and Scottish rugby, not to mention the new Welsh regions by roaring to the top of the Celtic League with an unbeaten home record in the competition.

"It feels very good and very satisfying," said coach Mike Ruddock, Wales candidate Michael Owen added "We've proved a lot of people wrong, it's fantastic," " while evergreen prop Rod Snow said with huge understatement "We'll take it."

Now the Dragons face an even bigger challenge to hold on to top spot which will be difficult especially when the leading players return to their teams in April after the Six Nations.

But Ruddock insists, "It's down to us and no-one else. We are pleased to be here, but now we've got to re-focus."

And he knows the Dragons will have to do something about their away form if they are to land the title. They have won just twice away all season, against Cardiff Blues and Borders, and five of their last eight matches are away from their Rodney Parade stronghold.

They face Glasgow at Hughenden on Friday night and Munster at Thomond Park, Limerick, the following Friday.

They also have to travel to Edinburgh, Connacht and Leinster.

The Dragons' home games are against Celtic Warriors, Cardiff Blues and Borders

"We are title candidates, but we've got to improve our away form, the Blues have done it and the Ospreys did it as well, " said Ruddock.

He warned his squad, "If we are to stay top we need to win away, and I don't know if we're good enough. We won't become contenders unless we do."

Dragons last eight fixtures:

Friday March 5 v Glasgow away 7.30pm. Friday March 12 v Munster away 7.30pm. Friday March 26 v Celtic Warriors home 7.15pm. Friday April 2 v Edinburgh away 7.30pm. Friday April 16 v Cardiff Blues home 7pm. Saturday May 1 v Connacht away 2.30pm. Friday May 7 v Borders home 7pm. Friday May 14 v Leinster away 7.30pm.