MIKE Ruddock hails the start of the Celtic League this week as a new era and the future of Welsh rugby.

The Newport Gwent Dragons coach - efforts will be made today to finalise officially the name of the side though Ruddock still calls it Gwent Dragons - says past results count for nothing from here in.

"It's a new era and this is where it all begins. Results of the past have gone and this is the future of Welsh rugby," said Ruddock at yesterday's official launch of the Celtic League with broadcasting partners BBC Wales and S4C at the Millennium Stadium.

"For the first month, we have got to be pragmatic and realise a lot of the guys are coming together for the first time.

"We want to start off on the right footing at Llanelli on Saturday night. If we do, it could be the making of our season. There are a lot of fine players around which regional coaches Lynn Howells, Lyn Jones and myself are trying to blend into new combinations.

"But we expect not to use that as an excuse once we've had time to gel and be a competitive force.

"I will be looking at traditional Gwent values and to be very competitive.

"Years ago, Gwent players were very physical, and we aim to get a very physical defensive structure then get set piece ball away for the backs to use.

"Hopefully we will then expand and play some exciting rugby. But, in the first month, we will look to do 'A' properly not jump to 'C' straightaway or that could be our downfall."

Ruddock has been dismayed by the political problems surrounding the Dragons during the summer, but says punters will write his side off at their peril.

"It all started off so well with everyone agreeing this was the way forward, but it all changed," he said.

"There have been quite a few problems, but I'd like to think we're over them. There are meetings this week to try to stabilise things.

"I'll leave the title to people like David Jenkins, our chief executive, but we hope to fire well on Saturday. It's a big day, we're on TV and straightaway people will start associating us with a regional name.

"If we end up with Newport then who knows, but at the moment it's Gwent Dragons as far as I'm concerned.

"Possibly on paper, we might look the weakest team and a lot of people have written us off."

One of the meetings Ruddock referred to takes place today when WRU chief executive David Moffett, WRU general manager Steve Lewis, Dragons chief executive David Jenkins, Martyn Hazell, Newport's representative on the Gwent board, and Ebbw Vale's Paul Russell meet in Cardiff.

It is hoped all outstanding issues, including a final definitive title for the team, can be resolved.

But, as far as the Newport half of the Gwent board is concerned, the name is Newport Gwent Dragons.