SUPPORTERS no longer need a ticket to attend the Dragons’ only pre-season on home soil against Glasgow at Ebbw Vale at the end of the month, writes Chris Kirwan.

Bernard Jackman’s men will end their preparations for the Guinness PRO14 by welcoming the Warriors to Eugene Cross Park on Friday, August 25 (kick-off 2pm).

The clash is a late addition to the pre-season schedule that tests the Dragons against three other European Champions Cup sides in Montpellier, Northampton and Exeter.

Ex-Ireland hooker Jackman was keen to fit in another hit-out before the league opener against Leinster, his former club, on Saturday, September 2 (kick-off 3.15pm).

The friendly is taking place in the afternoon at the home of the Steelmen and is free to all supporters.

It had initially been stated that a paper ticket would be needed to be collected from the Dragons or Ebbw but that is no longer the case, although fans are asked to arrive in good time to gain access through the turnstiles.

The Rodney Parade region played Northampton at Eugene Cross Park in 2014 while their home in Newport was being used by the police for the Nato summit.

They beat the then English champions, who fielded big guns George North, Courtney Lawes, Dylan Hartley and Samu Manoa, in front of 2,763 in horrendous conditions in a match that sadly saw centre Pat Leach suffer what turned out to be a career-ending knee injury.

Meanwhile, the 73 clubs in the Dragons region have been invited to a pre-season meeting at Rodney Parade on Wednesday, August 23.

Bernard Jackman will give an update on preparations for the season while former Wales and Lions star Gavin Henson will take part in a Q&A.

Dragons bosses will share details about various initiatives, community work around the region, a new ticket cashback scheme and plans to improve the matchday experience at Rodney Parade.