BACK row forward Lewis Evans has pledged that Newport Gwent Dragons will show more steel in the coming season.

There have been plenty of changes at Rodney Parade this summer with seven signings and a new management team.

Lyn Jones has returned as director of rugby and has brought in Kingsley Jones to look after the forwards and work alongside head coach Darren Edwards.

The changes were triggered by a nightmare 2012/13 campaign in which the Dragons managed 10 wins from 32 games and finished with just winless Zebre beneath them in the RaboDirect Pro12.

In the league they shipped 589 points to be ranked last defensively and allowed their opponents to claim four-try bonus points 10 times.

Evans, who was skipper last season, believes that the Rodney Parade faithful will see more fight from their team.

“The fans can at least expect a more competitive side, a more aggressive side, a more determined side and definitely a better rugby-playing side,” said the 25-year-old.

“So far in pre-season we’ve been doing lots of conditioning and strength activities, but we’ve been concentrating a lot on rugby-playing – just improving the individual.

“If you’ve got 15 individuals who are playing better, then the team is going to play better. I think you’re going to see a much more competitive side at home and away.”

“We’ve got a new coach in and we’ve got some new players, experienced internationals, coming to our side,” he continued.

“The likes of Richie Rees, Kris Burton and Netani Talei (have signed), so we’ve got a lot of potential coming in there.

“With the strong base from last year, with Lyn and Kingsley’s influence, we should be challenging the bigger sides and getting some more wins at home at least.”

Last season was a frustrating one for Evans, who made 22 appearances but was troubled by calf problems.

The back row forward, has frequently been on the fringes of the international squad, made 20 starts all across the back row.

There is an argument that Evans suffers from being a jack of all trades - he played 13 times in the six jersey, six times with seven on his back and one at number eight.

The back row forward’s versatility is useful for the Dragons but he is hoping for a more settled 2013/14.

“I can play all three positions, but maybe nailing one position down would be important,” he admitted.

“I’d like to think my tackling is good, not quite Danny Lydiate standard, but it’s good.

“I’d like to think my contact area is pretty good as well, but the biggest factor of my game to work on would be the ball-carrying.

“Having Toby Faletau alongside me, being the best ball carrier in Britain right now, is certainly something to aim for and to aspire to.”