AFTER learning from Lions and Wales captains, Newport skipper Ben Roach is relishing the prospect to help in the development of the next batch of Dragons prospects.

The Black and Ambers have done a successful job in recent seasons of being contenders in league and cup while helping bring through some of the region’s top talent.

The likes of Ryan Woodman, Will Reed, Harri Ackerman, Joe Westwood, Che Hope and Brodie Coghlan will all be senior members of the Dragons squad in the coming campaign.

Newport are poised to give game time to loosehead Jordan Morris, lock Nick Thomas, full-back Oli Woodman and wing Oli Andrew, although of those Thomas is currently the only player fit for selection ahead of Saturday’s home opener against Bridgend.

Back row forward Roach, one of the best players in the semi-professional game, will be a key figure in guiding the youngsters.

LEADER: Newport captain Ben RoachLEADER: Newport captain Ben Roach (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

“I do enjoy that role and we were all there one,” said the 30-year-old former Wales Sevens captain. “When coming through you want to look towards the more experienced players and I am one of them now, as hard as that is to say!

“Helping them along is part of the job and hopefully this is a stepping stone for them to go on to bigger and better things.

“As a back rower at Cardiff I had Sam Warburton still playing, Ellis Jenkins was the age-grade above, Josh Navidi, Thomas Young. I was on the back of that trying to emulate them and they were the inspiration.

“I enjoy helping them but the young players also bring fresh energy and youthfulness to the group.”

Newport want to help bring through young Dragons but, as with all clubs in the community game, there is also an expectation to play for the badge.

The Black and Ambers are celebrating their 150th anniversary season and would love to mark it with silverware after being edged out by Llandovery in last year’s final.

“We’ve done well for the last couple of seasons and have crept up to the top, so we want to keep building on that,” said Roach.

“Consistency from last year is the biggest thing after we lost to a very good Llandovery side in a tight game.

“Hopefully we can go one further and we have built well in pre-season but it’s going to be a competitive league and every team is tough when on their A game.”