MATTHEW Pewtner won't feature in Newport Gwent Dragons' first pre-season friendly against Nottingham this evening but the wing still has a golden opportunity to stake a claim for a starting spot.

The 24-year-old from Blackwood will be watching on from the sidelines at Ystrad Mynach, resting his legs before playing a key role in the Welsh leg of the Singha Premiership 7s at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park tomorrow.

Pewtner, a member of the Wales side that suffered heartbreak against Fiji in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens in 2013, was named as player of the tournament last summer when helping the Dragons qualify for the finals night at the Twickenham Stoop where they finished as runners-up to Gloucester.

A repeat would see him stake a claim for a leading role in the 15-a-side friendlies against the Scarlets and Cardiff Blues and then the Guinness Pro12 opener at Connacht on Friday, September 4.

"I'm a bit gutted that it means I won't be playing against Nottingham but it's a great opportunity to kick-start the season with a good positive performance," he said.

"The skills that are required are the same as in 15-a-side and if you make a mistake in sevens it's amplified, you'll cost your team a try.

"I feel like I have had a good pre-season and I am looking forward to getting out there and reaping the benefits.

"It was a great competition to play in last year, we all stuck together and did the Dragons proud.

We are a little bit stronger this year so hopefully can go one step further."

Pewtner was a regular on the right flank for the Dragons last season before a blow to the head suffered in the stunning European victory at Newcastle led to a frustrating end to the campaign.

He's now back fully fit and ready to battle with Aled Brew, new boy Nick Scott, Tom Prydie, Ashton Hewitt and Lloyd Lewis for starting spots while Wales World Cup hopefuls Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan are away.

"We've got healthy competition with Aled Brew looking good in training, Nick Scott has come in, a couple of youngsters coming through," he said.

"Better strength in depth is only going to push the Dragons on to become a better team.

"I felt that I had a really good season up until the Newcastle game when I had a really nasty concussion. I showed what I could do and I am hoping to get back to some form, starting on Saturday.

"All the boys are chomping at the bit to play after being worked hard by the conditioners. Things have been really organised and specific and we want all that hard work to pay off."

Newport Gwent Dragons sevens squad: Geraint Rhys Jones (captain), Matthew Pewtner, Dorian Jones, Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Luke Crocker, Owen Williams, Elliot Frewen, Owen Davies, Arwel Robson, Lloyd Lewis, Jonny Lewis.

Playing schedule: 3.15pm Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, 3.40pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Scarlets, 4.10pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Ospreys, 4.35pm Cardiff Blues v Scarlets, 5.05pm Ospreys v Scarlets, 5.30pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Cardiff Blues.