HEAD coach Kingsley Jones is delighted that Newport Gwent Dragons will profit from their "extra man" after confirming they will play their European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final against Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons earned a home tie by topping Pool Three but there was speculation that the derby could be switched to the Millennium Stadium to attempt to bring in extra revenue with a bumper crowd.

However, chairman Martyn Hazell told the Argus on Sunday that his personal view was that it should stay in Newport and that opinion was shared by the board.

They have made a unanimous decision to play at Rodney Parade on the first weekend of April, much to the delight of head coach Jones.

"I've been lucky enough to make the quarter-finals of European tournaments as both a coach and a player and a home draw is everything," he said.

"It doesn't mean it's a bye but it certainly helps and gives you more of a chance of making the semi-finals.

"We want to play well at Rodney Parade for the crowd because they have stuck by us through some not so good performances in September and October.

"It will be a big day for the club and a big day for Newport. We've got a great following and hopefully it will be our extra man.

"We've worked hard to get home advantage and to give it away would have been a big decision, plus you've got a better chance of getting through to the semi-final and that's a good way of generating revenue."

The Dragons will be looking for revenge after they suffered derby despair against the Blues on New Year's Day, going down to an 11-9 defeat at Rodney Parade after stunning their rivals at the Arms Park.

The region have lost five games and won four on their own turf this season but nonetheless Hazell is hopeful that the home backing can give the players the edge as they attempt to earn an away semi-final against either London Irish or Edinburgh.

"The players have worked very hard to earn home advantage so it doesn't make sense to throw that away by playing at a neutral ground," said the chairman.

"I think it would be a great occasion to hold it in Newport at our own ground and with the loud backing of our own fans."

The Dragons are yet to announce ticket details but the game will be an all-pay match with season ticket holders having priority booking for their seats.

The date for the game, and whether it will be televised, will be announced next week with Newport County currently pencilled in to play Hartlepool on Good Friday afternoon.