Newport Gwent Drag-ons have been given a massive shot in the arm with the decision of coach Mike Ruddock to stay rather than go for the soon-to-be-vacant Wales job.

The Dragons may be having problems on the road with two thumpings in Europe against Leicester and Stade Francais, but so are others - just ask Ulster, just ask Leicester.

The Northern Ireland province were hammered 49-7 by Leicester only a week after Leicester themselves were blown away 33-0 at Ravenhill by the same team.

It's far worse for them because they are experienced teams in Europe, as are Stade Francais whereas the Dragons are a new line-up playing in the Heineken Cup for the first time.

To be still in there fighting with just two of the six pool games left represents a real achievement for the Dragons.

Going away against this standard of opposition is at the moment a step too far for a side which was hastily put together only last summer.

But just because they fell to a second hefty defeat on the road in the Heineken Cup doesn't mean they are on the slide.

It would still, however, have been a huge blow had Ruddock decided to try for the Wales post.

That he didn't speaks volumes for his commitment to the Newport Gwent Dragons and for his appetite for the challenges which lie ahead.

He believes it is a region which can make a real impression, can ruffle a few feathers and make its way in the brave new world of Welsh rugby.

He has completely embraced the concept, probably more than any of his rivals, and has all sorts of ideas to take it forward.

He held at least one high powered meeting in Paris after the Stade Francais game, and emerged satisfied. We now await the outcome.

The way Ruddock has held the Dragons squad together in the face of all manner of adversity speaks volumes for his courage and steadfastness.

They also had to overcome administration and pay cuts plus jibes that they would be the lowest ranked Welsh team this season.

But Ruddock has stuck to his guns all the way through and come out the other side.

The fact that there is a blip, even a big one, along the way is only to be expected especially against such high quality opposition.

There are weaknesses in the side, that's for sure, and Ruddock will this week address the scrum problem which surfaced rather alarmingly against Stade Francais on Sunday.

A bit more penetration in midfield and general pace wouldn't go amiss either, but the Dragons will lack nothing in determination.

They are still unbeaten at home, which again speaks volumes for their efforts, and that will come under heavy pressure next Saturday when Leicester visit Rodney Parade.

The English giants are not the force they were, but they will be confident after their demolition job on Ulster, and they will come to Wales targeting this match.

Leicester know that if they win they will be the only side to achieve an away victory in the pool, and a priceless one it would be, for if they succeed and beat Stade Francais at home the week after they should go forward to the quarter-finals.

So it will be backs-to-the-wall for the Dragons, but they have vanquished Ulster and Stade at home and they can make it a notable hat-trick of home victories if they show the same steely resolve as before.

The fans can also play a part. They are starting to follow the Dragons in increasing numbers, and it was encouraging to see several hundred supporters at Stade Jean Bouin on Sunday.

A lot were wearing Dragons jerseys, casting aside the old Newport shirt, and for the first time even shouting 'Dragons.'

Talking to a number of them, they all admitted thay are following the Dragons because they realise it's the highest standard of rugby they can watch at a level the new-fangled Newport can't provide any more.

It may be a shame, but this is the way forward now. Newport as it has been for over a century no longer exists and now it's the Dragons playing at the top out of Rodney Parade and everywhere else.

At least they're making a real fist of it, with two notable home wins, plus two hefty away defeats which would have been far more under the Newport banner of recent seasons.

The team can at least be thankful they are back in one piece after the hair-raising drive through the endless traffic clogged streets of Paris to the airport on Sunday morning.

Arms were raised across eyes by incredulous passengers as the coachdriver weaved in and out, missing vehicles and pedestrians by a coat of paint or less and within touching distance of cars in front down the motorway.

A real madhouse, not good for the heart, but the Dragons survived, just as they have survived against high odds, just as Ruddock shows his faith by staying to give it his best shot.

Now it's Leicester and another titanic clash which is just what we want.