PRIDE is at stake for the Newport Gwent Dragons when they attempt to storm the Ulster fortress of Ravenhill on Friday night, says coach Mike Ruddock.

It will be the final match in pool one of the Heineken Cup and after all the previous drama it will be meaningless as neither side can qualify for the knock-out stages after Saturday's results when both were beaten, Ulster falling at Stade Francais and the Dragons losing their unbeaten home record against Leicester.

The English and French giants will now meet at Welford Road on Friday night, with Leicester almost certain to go through. A draw would be enough, but they are chasing the full five points in a late attempt to secure a quarter-finals home draw.

After a brief 24-hour spell as group leaders the Dragons are now left with a scrap to avoid finishing bottom, though that will be difficult at such a formidable venue.

"Pride is at stake, we've got to front up now we have lost two games on the trot," said Ruddock.

"We've got to get back in the ring with full guns blazing. We are chasing a Heineken Cup spot and the focus will be on the Celtic League when hopefully Bobby Skinstad (Dragons' major new signing) will make a big impact.

"We have learnt a lot about European rugby, our goal is to qualify for next season's tournament."

Ruddock could well make a few changes and try out one or two players like young prop Rhys Thomas and outside half Craig Warlow for the visit to Ulster.

Meanwhile Neil Back, the Leicester captain and vastly experienced England flanker, gives a personal thumbs up both to Wales and the new regional system.

"I've been very impressed. It's early in the structure but it will benefit the national team and Welsh rugby and it's got the thumbs up from me," he said.

"England have beaten Wales quite heavily in recent years, but they are definitely improving. It always surprises me why Wales can't put it together, but the regional teams will develop them and England had better watch out.

"Wales did well against two of the top teams in the world and England had to play well to beat them in the World Cup.

"The manner in which they played with the continuity and team structure was better than anything I have experienced from them before."

Wales coach Steve Hansen went straight to Rodney Parade on Saturday on his return from a coaches' conference in New Zealand, accompanied by management team Scott Johnson, Andrew Hore and Alan Phillips.

Hansen will name his final squad for the Six Nations Championship next Monday. Wales' first opponents are Scotland on February 14 at the Millennium Stadium.