WALES international Michael Owen, the first big 'name' to commit himself to Gwent, says the region has the potential to become the best in Wales.

The politics surrounding the launch has not affected the players, he claims, and says that being written off will only make them more determined to succeed.

Owen, (pictured) just 22 and capped by Wales at No 8, says it was his own decision to join the Dragons and was not made under pressure from the Wales camp.

And the reason, he said, was his belief that Gwent had the strongest regional identity and the right man at the helm in in Mike Ruddock.

"The politics haven't got to the players at all. Everyone is really excited about regional rugby and Gwent Dragons in particular," said Owen.

"It's a new challenge for all of us and we're all looking forward to it and to doing really well.

"Gwent is one of the few regions that has actually got an identity. It's well defined and has quite a history.

"I'm from outside Gwent and the name is recognised by people throughout Wales and I think when things are up and running it will prove a positive factor.

"I can understand where (the Newport fans who wanted their name in the regional name) are coming from because it was the same in this area with the Pontypridd fans who didn't want things to change.

"But the move to regional rugby is here to stay so we have got to get everyone to buy into it.

"Newport have a tremendousfollowing and Gwent's a big region with a big support base with areas such as Pontypool and if everyone pulls together we could get regular 15,000 crowds.

"It's going to take a bit of time but eventually I think it could be brilliant."

Owen is now fully fit after an end-of-season medial knee ligament injury prevented him going on Wales' summer tour Down Under.

He meets up with the Wales squad for training next week and is desperate to clinch a World Cup place.

And of those suggestions his move to Newport was prompted by Wales coach Steve Hansen, who wanted him to stake a claim in the second row, he said: "That's not true.

"It wasn't a move under pressure at all. It was my decision. I had been happy at Pontypridd but things were changing and I was looking to move.

"I had worked with Mike Ruddock with Wales A and he sold the concept of the Gwent region.

"Now I'm really looking forward to the challenge and hoping the move will freshen me up and give me a new lease of life.

"My ambition is to make Wales' World Cup party. Hopefully I'll get a game in the August internationals and put my case forward.

"It was disappointing not to play more in the Six Nations after starting in the first game against Italy, but it didn't go very well and I was one of those dropped. That's the way it goes sometimes and you just have to try to fight your way back.

"I'm not too bothered about where I play. I just want to be playing.

"I'm comfortable in both the back row and at lock and it's no problem to switch between them.

"Mike Ruddock hasn't said where I'll play but just pushed the positive aspects of having two strings to my bow in terms of international reognition. It's really good to have flexibility."

And as for Gwent being written off by the pundits as the weakest of Wales' new regions, Owen commented: "I suppose our players' names are not as well known as some and on paper we do not look as strong as some regions.

"But the games are not played on paper and it's just a matter of using the fact the people are writing us off as ammunition to show what we are capable of.

"If you have people like Lee Jarvis, Craig Warlow, Percy Montgomery and Brett Davey in the backs you have match-winners."