JAMIE Roberts says the Dragons squad are “right on the edge” of their learning to ensure they aren’t derailed if hit by coronavirus.

The Rodney Parade region will entertain Cardiff Blues on this afternoon, then travel to the Scarlets on New Year’s Day before a home fixture with the Ospreys.

All clubs are having to contend with the virus being prevalent in their communities, a fact that has shaped their working week.

The Dragons were forced to scramble on the eve of their Champions Cup return a fortnight ago when a pair of players reported symptoms ahead of the game with Wasps.

They tested positive and four more individuals were then pulled from the matchday squad on the morning of the fixture after coming into close contact with them.

Roberts has 94 Wales caps and is a double Lion but other players don’t have that experience to tap into – leading to plenty of homework.

South Wales Argus:

"When it first happens and you lose a few players you are a bit shocked by it,” said the 34-year-old. "Then it's case of making sure the guys coming in are up to speed with what we are trying to do.

"They should be anyway, because that's the culture we want to create in the squad.

"But we've certainly been forced to create that education - everyone is right on the edge with their learning now.

"We know full well that lads could be called into the squad at the last minute, so it's just about knowing the roles.

"That's even for lads that might not expect to be playing - second, third, maybe even fourth choice in their positions.

"They've had to be called upon in the last few weeks and it's been great to see how they have adapted and how plugged into our learning they have been.

"Out of necessity we now have an environment where everybody is really hot on what we are trying to achieve on the pitch, knowing that those changes could come at the last minute.”