SAM Hobbs has headed to Newport Gwent Dragons with a point to prove as a number 1 after years in the shadow of legendary loosehead Gethin Jenkins.

The 28-year-old from Brecon made the short trip to Rodney Parade from Cardiff Blues this summer with the intention of establishing himself as a first-choice prop.

Hobbs came through the ranks at the Arms Park but despite making 126 appearances for the capital side was never able to enjoy a consistent run in the XV.

That was largely down to the formidable frame of Wales and Lions icon Jenkins – the most capped prop in world rugby with 131 Test appearances to his name.

Hobbs parted on good terms, in fact Jenkins told the Argus in February that he expects his former teammate to "kick on" at the Dragons, but is fuelled by the desire to show he is better than a deputy.

"I know that I've got a point to prove," he said. "You get knocked down throughout your career and get marked down as a back-up or whatever.

"I feel that a fresh challenge, fresh coaches, fresh impetus and good competition can take me out of my comfort zone and get me performing consistently.

"It's said that props don't come into their prime until late 20s or early 30s but there are some good young props playing international rugby so I do need to really try and make a mark in the next couple of seasons."

"When you are coming through you have the aim of playing every week but throughout my career at Cardiff Blues there was Gethin Jenkins there, who has been one of the best looseheads in the world for god knows how many years," he continued.

"Being in that set-up you can either take it two ways: sulk and moan that you are not playing as much or learn as much as you can off him. I hope I took the attitude in learning off him and now I want to come to fruition."

South Wales Argus:

Not that Hobbs believes claiming the 1 jersey will be a piece of cake, although he appears to be in pole position for the Guinness Pro12 opener at Ulster a week on Friday.

"There is a big challenge here as well though because Phil Price is out with a shoulder injury at the moment but has had a brilliant couple of seasons, he has played a lot of rugby and is underrated in this league," he said.

"Tom Davies is competing with us and there are a couple of good youngsters in Luke Garrett and Keagan Bale, so by no means am I thinking it's going to be easy here.

"I am really enjoying the challenge of being in a new squad and it's about proving myself again.

"I was at a place for 10 years and now I need to earn the respect from the other players around me here at the Dragons, then the coaches and build on from that."

Hobbs, who suffered a perforated eardrum when chop tackling Ethan Lewis in the pre-season win against his old side earlier in the month, is set to feature in the final tune-up for Belfast when they welcome Exeter to Rodney Parade on Friday.

The Chiefs were Aviva Premiership runners-up last season and head over from Devon with a dangerous mix of elusive backs and imposing forwards.

"We've got a massive challenge in Exeter, who are one of the best teams in Europe at the moment let alone England," said Hobbs.

"There's nothing better for a front row forward than to test yourself against an Aviva Premiership finalist with the players they have at their disposal. If we can do well and put in a good performance then it will stand us in good stead for the league."