The Newport Gwent Dragons' clash with the Premier Division clubs' composite team is causing a frenzy of interest among Gwent rugby fans.

The match, at Cross Keys' Pandy Park a week Friday, has prompted even more calls than for Keys' epic Konica Minolta Cup showdown against arch rivals Newport last season.

Keys' chairman Colin Vernall said: "There's incredible interest in this match and we're expecting a full house with around 3,000 supporters at our ground.

"Last season's game against Newport was huge, but we've had even more inquiries about this one. "It promises to be a fantastic night."

Steve Jones, of Pontypool, the Premier Division team's coach, describes the game as a big chance for the young players in his squad.

"It doesn't surprise me that there is so much interest in the game. It's a real good chance for the squad that's been picked to stake a claim for a place with the Dragons," he said.

He has already met new Dragons coach Chris Anderson and struck up an instant rapport with him.

He takes his first training session tonight with the Premier squad and will hold more, including one on Sunday, before picking the side with fellow coach Mark Ring of Caerphilly next week

The full Dragons squad are now back in training with the exception of Percy Montgomery who has been restored to the South Africa team and is a key figure in the current Tri Nations series.

The Welsh team members who went on tour to Argentina and South Africa in June reported back for training this week and have quickly become acquainted with Anderson and his strict regime.

The Dragons have been tipped on the Celtic League's official website to be the Welsh favourites to win the league this season.

But overall favourites for the title are Munster followed by fellow Irish province Ulster.

The Dragons have a place at the National Eisteddfod on the sports stand at Tredegar House this week.

l Tickets for the match against the Premier Division XV are available from Pandy Park and a further 200 are now on sale at Rodney Parade.