NEWPORT Gwent Dragons endured a painful start to the January but finished strongly to secure progress in Europe.

The Dragons suffered a pair of derby losses to Cardiff Blues and the Ospreys at the start of the month but finished on a high to secure a home quarter-final in the European Rugby Challenge Cup thanks to wins in Newcastle and against Stade Francais at Rodney Parade.

A host of players have performed strongly for the Dragons...

TYLER MORGAN: Didn’t get as much ball in hand as he’d like in the derbies but the centre was sensational in Europe, cutting Newcastle to shreds and then causing Stade all manner of problems.

RYNARD LANDMAN: The lock has led from the front with his appetite for graft and lineout expertise. A try scorer against the Falcons.

HALLAM AMOS: The wing has caused mayhem alongside Morgan in Europe and has enjoyed a good few months leading into the Six Nations, reducing his error count.

BROK HARRIS: Has helped steady up the scrum and has also impressed with his work rate around the paddock.

ANDREW COOMBS: Continued to impress alongside Landman in the boilerhouse, matching his captain’s work rate and carrying hard.

Dragons players of the month

September vote: NIC CUDD 63%, Rynard Landman 24%, Elliot Dee 8%, Hallam Amos 3%, Taulupe Faletau 2%

October vote: NIC CUDD 38%, Rynard Landman 25%, Richie Rees 14%, Lewis Evans 12% Angus O’Brien 11%

November: JAMES THOMAS 43%, Lewis Evans 41%, Rhys Jones 8%, Cory Hill 7%, Ross Wardle 1%

December: JASON TOVEY 44%, Rynard Landman 35%, James Thomas 12%, Andrew Coombs 5%, Ross Wardle 4%