DRAGONS new boy Josh Lewis believes he will reap the rewards of a year learning from Test fly-halves – and aims to stop boss Bernard Jackman hunting for a big-name recruit.

The 26-year-old from Merthyr has headed for Rodney Parade after a season with Bath in the Aviva Premiership.

Lewis went from playing for Ebbw Vale in the Principality Premiership to being back-up to Wales international Rhys Priestland and ex-England playmaker Freddie Burns at the Rec.

And the playmaker says he has returned to Wales an improved player thanks to tips from the Test 10s.

"How the Bath move came about hit me for six – I didn't expect to go to a team like that. For them to ask a valleys boy to go and play for them was unreal," he said.

"Rhys and Freddie are top international players and I enjoyed learning off them. They were a massive help and if I can bring what they have taught me to the Dragons then it will be a good place to be.

"I knew that I was going as third choice; I'd have a good game but would always be pushed back because Rhys and Freddie would be favoured above me.

"That was a bit of a kick in the teeth, but it was one of those things and I just had to get on with it.

"I have learned quite a bit off the two boys and the coaches about the way the game is structured. I've got to thank them for what they did for me over the year."

Lewis will battle Arwel Robson and fellow new recruit Jacob Botica for the 10 jersey with Gavin Henson set to be used primarily as a centre.

Head coach Jackman has made no secret of his desire to sign an experienced fly-half in his next recruitment drive but the former stonemason wants to make his boss reconsider.

Lewis said: "We have a couple of good 10s and if we are carving up week in, week out then I don't see the need for the Dragons to go and look for another one, but only time will tell.

"When we get the jersey we will want to keep it, so hopefully I can put in a good few performances and go from there."

After injury misfortune denied him the chance to make an impact at the Scarlets between 2013 and 2016, also earned thanks to his Ebbw exploits, Lewis is desperate to prove himself in regional rugby.

He said: "I love a running game, my kicking game is quite good but it's all about playing what is in front of you; if it's on to go from our 22 then we will. We have to express ourselves but we have to play to the coaches' game plan as well.

"I can't wait to start playing now. My last game was at the end of April and I am itching to get back on the field.

"To be part of an exciting bunch of boys will be something special."