TOM Willis is used to taking on big challenges having captained the All Blacks, the Chiefs, Waikato and Otago, now the 29-year-old hooker faces perhaps the biggest one of all with Newport Gwent Dragons.

He arrives from New Zealand with a big reputation and he wasted little time alongside compatriots, outside half James Arlidge and number eight Grant Webb at a Rodney Parade press conference yesterday setting out his stall.

All eight of the Dragons new signings will be charged with lifting them up the Magners League table, being more competitive in every competition, providing more depth and bringing the youngsters on.

“I’m not here to make the numbers up, I’ve been a professional rugby player for a long time and I’m in the business of winning games,” said Willis in a statement which will hearten all Dragons fans.

“They have been chasing players with experience who can carry a load and provide an insight into closing games out, as well as inserting certain standards.”

When pressed to elaborate on that Willis replied, “I mean discipline on the field and in training, keeping honest, maintaining your skills and doing those additional things like staying on and fulfiling extra responsibilities.

“The guys here have got a fantastic training ethic, they’re conditioning well and they’re putting plenty of effort in.

“I want to install a sense of belief that you can walk into any game believing you can win. It doesn’t mean you’re going to win every game, but you can walk out there believing you’ve got a chance.

“I’m not going out there to score four tries every game, but it’s all about pride, accuracy in the set piece, a high work rate and leading the way by example.”

He is already impressed by what he has seen at the Dragons. “Rhys Thomas has got a lot of ability and a lot of young backs have got the skills. There also looks like being serious competition among the loose forwards,” he said.

“The region looks well organised and I’m being well looked after, I’m really looking forward to it. It promises to be stimulating and challenging.”

Willis has played under ex-All Blacks coach John Mitchell, now in charge of Super 14 team Western Force and current Australia coach Robbie Deans, saying “John scared the hell out of you and Robbie knows everything about the game.”

He has accumulated a huge amount of experience in New Zealand, now he is seeking to broaden his horizons with a fresh challenge. He certainly talks on a different level from most.

Coach Paul Turner is delighted with his three recruits from New Zealand, with a fourth due in late September when lock Hoani MacDonald arrives.

And one more player from Down Under is due at Rodney Parade soon to sign for the Dragons, Turner taking on board a young junior Waratah centre or wing who has been recommended to him and has impressed him.

“The new signings will bring a bit of direction and tactical knowledge to mix with a good squad. They will bring on the youngsters and they are all professional guys,” he said.

“And Shaun Connor is a better player than 10 years ago when he was last here, Tal Selley is another good signing with an ability to score tries, I’ve been really pleased with Duane Goodfield after picking him up from Cardiff Blues and Marc Stcherbina will add that bit of direction while youngsters like Jason Tovey, Dan Lydiate back from a serious injury and Jimmy Norris will develop.”