Gwent Dragons today confirmed the signing of Scottish international Ross Beattie on a one-year deal.

And coach Mike Ruddock has even hinted that the back row man may even play a part in tomorrow's historic first game.

The Dragons take on Penzance, coached by former Newport and Pontypool forward Kevin Moseley, on Friday night (7.15pm) and despite being without seven key members Ruddock is still confident that his side can claim victory in their first ever game.

"It's obviously not ideal not having a full squad but it's not frustrating and has not really affected our preparation," said Ruddock.

"I've known for several weeks that I was likely to have players involved with Wales so it's not as if it has come out of the blue.

"This game will give other player's a chance to impress such as Ross Beattie.

"He came through his final medical test yesterday, which was a weight lifting exercise, with no problems and has finally signed today.

"It's great to welcome Ross on-board, he's a quality player and will bring something new to our squad.

"He won't start on Friday but we are hoping to get him ten minutes at the end, but that all depends on whether Penzance will allow us to have unlimited substitutions."

The Dragons will be without, Rhys Oakley, Michael Owen, Hal Luscombe, Andy Marinos, Ian Gough and Nathan Brew who are all involved with Wales and of course Percy Montgomery is suspended.

And Ruddock has urged young players like Luke Charteris to use Nathan Brew as an example and grab their chance with both hands.

"With some players being absent then it does give others the opportunity to stake their claim," said Ruddock.

"Nathan Brew showed that in the Under-21 World Cup that despite being on the bench he was prepared to be patient and wait for his chance. And he did well when he was called on.

"Now he has got his reward by being called into the Wales squad to face Ireland on Saturday.

"Luke Charteris is in a similar position. People say he's too young and is not ready to play first team senior rugby, but I disagree and I know he can cope.

"He is a quality young player had a great Under-21 World Cup and along with Peter Sidoli has a real chance to stake his claim."

Gwent Dragons: Brett Davey; Kevin James, Rhys Shorney, Steve Winn, Kevin James; Lee Jarvis, Bryan Shelbourne; Adam Black, Paul Young, Chris Anthony, Peter Sidoli, Luke Charteris, Jamie Ringer, Shawn Van Rensburg, Jason Forster.