NEWPORT Gwent Dragons may never be top dogs but Rynard Landman is hoping he can help the team claw their way up the Guinness Pro12 table with the help of some puppy love.

The South African lock has played for the Leopards, Lions and Cheetahs back home and has been a big hit since joining the Dragons in the summer but he’s a dog man at heart.

Landman is relishing the festive fixture list, which starts against Zebre at Rodney Parade on Sunday, but away from the pitch his focus is on a miniature schnauzer named Lexi.

“I’m very much enjoying life over here but the hardest thing was leaving my dog behind,” said the 28-year-old from East London on the south east coast of South Africa.

“She had to have a rabies injection and be quarantined for three months but she’s coming over in January and we can’t wait – the family will be complete then.

“Everything else has been easy for me,” he added. “Everyone has been very friendly and training is good.

“My wife is happy and like they say – happy wife, happy life!

“It will be the first cold Christmas in my life so we’re looking forward to that.”

Landman and teammates will only enjoy the festivities if they can add to their solitary Pro12 victory, however.

After two big wins over Bucuresti Wolves in Europe, Lyn Jones’ men will be confident of beating Zebre before concentrating on the Blues derbies – in Cardiff on Boxing Day and Newport in New Year’s Day.

“I think we’ve built up a good momentum and the next few weeks are vital for us,” said Landman.

“We can take all the positives from the last few games and move forward.

“We’ll work on the negatives but mainly focus on the positives and look to improve.”

Landman believes that with the injury worries easing the Dragons are on the up and he insists that every player will give their all in a bid to climb the PRO12 table.

“You know that every time you pull on your jersey it can be your last game so you have to give everything,” he said.

“I think we signed 11 or 12 new players in the summer but we brought in quality players and at the moment it is quite positive for me.

“The injuries are clearing up now and I’m fighting for my own position at this stage.

“You want with four or five quality players fighting for positions and that’s what we’ve got all over the team.”