HE MIGHT be playing against bigger and better players than ever before but Newport Gwent Dragons fly-half Angus O'Brien is keen to keep learning in the LV= Cup, writes Marios Papaloizou.

The 20-year-old from Caerleon has joined the senior squad this season and, after making his debut against Ospreys and impressing their European encounter with Stade Francais, he is hungry for more.

He started against Newcastle and Ulster and is keen for more when the Dragons get their LV= Cup campaign under way on Friday night.

"It's my first season in the senior environment so I've found that I've learned a lot already and am learning all the time," he said. "I think for me the biggest change stepping up has just been playing with bigger and better players.

"They are faster, stronger and more aggressive and if you aren't on your game you get found out. But this is right where I want to be and I'm really looking forward to getting some minutes under my belt and experiencing the LV= Cup.

"The LV=Cup will be another chance for the younger boys to show what they can do and see what it's like to play at the highest level.

"I think it's an exciting time for us when the LV=Cup comes around because we know we can get a chance to show what we are capable of. We get the chance to represent the region and that is what we all want to do day in day out."

The last time a Welsh team tasted success in the LV= Cup was back in 2009 – Cardiff Blues defeating Gloucester 50-12 in the final at Twickenham.

However, despite the lack of success in recent years, O'Brien is confident that the regions are better prepared this time around.

"I think that we have a really good chance this year and can make progress in the competition," he added. "We know there are some really good sides playing but if we play to the best of our ability then we will be okay.

"Obviously it's been a while since a Welsh side won but I think there is a good balance now between the younger players coming through and the more experienced boys.

"We have a got a great environment here with a really good mix of youth and experience. But I think that there are a few teams in Wales now who have that mix and can do well in the competition.

"We've got a tough match against Harlequins who are one of the top four sides in England but it's a great stadium to go and play in and that's a match that we will all be looking forward to playing in."

The English sides got the LV= Cup under way last weekend and the regions are set to join the competition. For more information visit lv.com/rugby or follow @LVRugby