CRAIG Mitchell cut short a contract to sign for Newport Gwent Dragons in bid to get his career back on track – and the former Wales prop is determined to earn a long stay at Rodney Parade.

The tighthead arrived this summer from Cardiff Blues on a one-year deal after a frustrating couple of seasons in the capital.

The 30-year-old headed to the Arms Park after a successful spell in Exeter but spent much of his time kicking his heels on the sidelines.

He made just eight starts for the Blues and came off the bench 12 times with his last outing coming against Montpellier on December 11.

That meant it was a no-brainer for the 15-times capped front rower when Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones came calling.

“It was clear that I wasn’t going to be playing at the Blues and this is a chance to get amongst it,” said Mitchell, who was a member of the 2011 World Cup squad.

“I’ve had a couple of frustrating seasons but that can happen in rugby and I am lucky enough to have a fresh start and a new challenge, now it’s up to me to grab it with both hands.

“There are no hard feelings towards the Blues, I had another year there and could have stayed but that would have been the foolish option – I want to play rugby and feel I’ve still got lots to offer.

“I’m on a one-year contract so I am playing for another year and need to be at my best. This is a great opportunity and I can’t wait to play some rugby.

South Wales Argus:

“When you think that you should be playing but aren’t selected it does knock your confidence a bit but you just have to get on with it. The decision is out of your hands and you just have to make sure that you take any opportunity that comes your way.

“That’s at the Dragons now and I want to take it; I’m fresh – I haven’t played for a couple of years! – and I am feeling good.”

Mitchell will be looking to put the heat on first-choice tighthead Brok Harris, Shaun Knight and Wales Under-20s prospect Leon Brown in the tussle for game time.

He is one of three props to head east from the capital with Sam Hobbs, 28, and Tom Davies, 23, battling for starts at loosehead.

With the likes of Brown, Keagan Bale and Luke Garrett coming through, Mitchell has plenty of tips to pass on but he must also concentrate on producing the goods himself.

He said: “I am old now, aren’t I?! I am one of the more experienced players so I will be looking to try and help bring some of the younger boys through and help in any way that I can, but I also need to take my own opportunities when they come.

“The boys are all training really well and looking forward to the start of the season now. Ceri (Jones, forwards coach) has come in with fresh ideas and we’ve all taken on board what he has said.

“We’re working hard and training sessions are intense, which can only be good for us moving forward.”

The Dragons continue their preparations for the Guinness Pro12 opener at Ulster when they host Ealing Trailfinders at their Ystrad Mynach training base on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).