ELITE performance manager Huw Bevan hopes that Newport Gwent Dragons will reap the rewards of pushing their players out of their comfort zone in their first block of pre-season training.

The Rodney Parade outfit are enjoying a well-earned rest this week before returning to tune-up for their first pre-season friendly against Nottingham at Ystrad Mynach on Friday, August 14 (kick-off 7pm).

The conditioners put them through their paces in July before signing off with a two-day team bonding exercise that saw them travel around Gwent.

The squad were asked to navigate their way throughout the area, visiting locations including Caerleon Roman Fortress, Big Pit, Six Bells colliery, Caerphilly Castle and the Aneurin Bevan Memorial Stones.

They then had to climb, Skirrid and Blorenge before camping at Abergavenny RFC and canoeing in the Wye.

Bevan said: "We wanted to spend some time together to integrate the new players into the squad.

"We also felt it was important for us to get away from our normal training venue in order for us to develop a better understanding of the history of the region we represent.

"I was also keen to test the players in unfamiliar situations and to work on developing attributes such as leadership, team cohesion and communication skills that will hopefully transfer into our on field performances."

The Dragons play three 15-a-side warm-ups with the Nottingham fixture followed by derbies with the Scarlets (home) and Cardiff Blues (away) before the Guinness Pro12 opener at Connacht on Friday, September 4.

A young squad will also take part in the Welsh leg of the Singha Premiership 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, August 15 with the aim of making finals night at the Twickenham Stoop on Friday, August 28.

- Former Dragons and Newport flanker Richard Parks will be guest at a Rodney Parade lunch on September 18.

The event will include an in-depth look at the rugby player turned explorer's life and his achievements as well as a two-course lunch including tea and coffee.

Tickets cost £32+VAT. Contact events@rodneyparadeltd.com or call on 01633 674955 for more information.