HUGH Gustafson says Newport Gwent Dragons are chomping at the bit to get back to action so that they can restore their damaged reputation.

The Rodney Parade region endured a nightmare 2012/13, finishing one from bottom of the RaboDirect Pro12 and failing to make an impact in the Amlin Challenge and LV= Cups.

The Dragons have been back in pre-season training since early June but still have a wait until their August 23 pre-season friendly against Bath at Rodney Parade.

And 26-year-old hooker Gustafson is counting down the days – 29 – until he can cross the whitewash with his teammates.

“I don’t think it can be overstated how disastrous last season was for us as a region,” said the hooker.

“It wasn’t good enough and we believe that we are a much better side than we showed. That means as a squad we go into the new season with a point to prove.

“I can’t wait to start and I am sure the rest of the boys are the same. We are all working hard and the sessions have been really physical, so it’d probably be for the best that we get under way soon!

“We are all really positive and I feel confident that we will have a much, much better season.”

Former prop Gustafson was a regular in the middle of the front row last season, racking up 28 appearances and making progress in his new career as a hooker.

Experienced summer addition Rhys Thomas has joined the tussle for the number 2 jersey with Gustafson, Wales training squad member Sam Parry and Wales Under-20s starlet Elliot Dee.

“TRT and the rest of the signings have really added to the squad and I’ve always said that I welcome competition, it’s what makes you better as a player,” said Gustafson.

“Lyn (Jones, new director of rugby) has made no secret about wanting to turn us into the best region.

“That won’t come overnight but we are all buying into his way of doing things and are working hard, and battling for starts will be part of that.”

l Gustafson was speaking at Tesco in Maesglas as part of their charity drive for Diabetes UK.

The charity cares for, connects with and campaigns on behalf of every person affected by or at risk of diabetes. Go to diabetes.org.uk for more information.