NEWPORT Gwent Dragons flanker James Benjamin intends to show the fruits of his extra efforts on the training paddock when he gets an opportunity against Exeter tomorrow afternoon, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 20-year-old from Rogerstone is in his first full season with the region but has found chances limited given the form of Taulupe Faletau, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans and James Thomas in the back row.

However, Benjamin believes the time spent rubbing shoulder with the seniors at the Ystrad Mynach training base is paying dividends.

“I am learning new things all the time and the extras after training is a big difference,” said the back row forward, who makes his seventh appearance of the campaign tomorrow.

“It’s been stressed highly from the coaches that you need to do your work off the field on the laptops and after training to try and get better.

“I’ve had work-ons and have been trying to keep adding things to my game so hopefully I can put them into practice this weekend.”

Benjamin featured with fellow flanker Scott Matthews at the Junior World Championship last summer while openside Ollie Griffiths is with Wales Under-20s ahead of the Six Nations.

He hopes to impress alongside new recruit Nick Crosswell and former Wales and Lions number eight Andy Powell against the Chiefs in the LV= Cup but says patience is a virtue for the region’s burgeoning back rowers.

“I want to play as much rugby as I can but I know that I have to be patient as the Dragons back row is incredibly talented,” he said.

“It’s great to play alongside them and they pass down so much information to try and help you improve and be the best you can.

“It’s vitally important that the whole squad is learning and improving, pushing each other and making the performance levels go higher and higher.

“I just have to keep on top of my game so that if a chance arises I can take it and the LV= Cup is another opportunity to impress.

“Competition at the Dragons is at an all-time high and we are chomping at the bit to play over the next two weeks and put pressure on the first team, who have been playing so well recently in the Guinness Pro12 and Europe.”