ED Jackson is determined to make pre-season count so that he can start the season with 8 on his back for Newport Gwent Dragons, writes Chris Kirwan.

Even in the absence of Wales and Lions ace Taulupe Faletau there is a fierce battle to be the man at the base of the scrum when the Dragons kick off their Guinness Pro12 campaign.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones has summer recruit Jackson, Nick Crosswell and Lewis Evans as options for the opener against Connacht in Galway on Friday, September 4.

Jackson, who can also play blindside flanker, is desperate to get the nod after a frustrating second season with Wasps.

The 26-year-old from Bath found his path to the starting line-up blocked by the dynamic trio of Nathan Hughes, Ashley Johnson and James Haskell.

“This is an opportunity to start afresh and play a bit more rugby than I did at Wasps,” said Jackson, who made 27 appearances in two campaigns with the Aviva Premiership side.

“In my first year with them I started but second year was mainly on the bench. That was frustrating so I thought I’d challenge myself somewhere else.

“But there are some really talented players here, both experienced and young boys coming through, so there is no guarantee that anyone will play.

“There is a lot of healthy competition throughout the whole pack and that will bring the best out of us.

“I played under Lyn (Jones, director of rugby) at London Welsh and enjoyed the way that he plays the game so I am looking forward to adding what I can to the team.”

Jackson started last weekend’s 48-12 pre-season win against Nottingham and will hope to make his Rodney Parade bow when the Scarlets visit on Friday (kick-off 7.15pm).

“It was nice to have that first hit-out after a long pre-season of running and weights,” he said. “Strength and conditioning training is all good but it gets to a point where you just want to get stuck in.

“I’ve really enjoyed it at the Dragons. The boys have made me really welcome and are a good bunch so it’s been really easy to settle.”