AFTER having an encouraging season ended by injury in January, Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Ollie Griffiths doesn’t care whether it’s 6 or 7 on his back this season.

The 21-year-old’s first campaign with the seniors was ruined when he ruptured a hamstring while training with Wales 7s ahead of the tournaments in Australia and New Zealand.

Griffiths had been gradually brought into the fold after being the star of the Wales Under-20s side and had been tussling with Nic Cudd for the start at openside, making 11 appearances and scoring a first try with a super solo effort against Sale in the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

After season his progress was frustratingly terminated, the Newbridge youngster has been chomping at the bit all pre-season.

Competition is fierce in the back row even in the absence of Taulupe Faletau and Griffiths hopes to benefit from his versatility.

In the final friendly against Exeter Chiefs he lined up alongside Cudd and number eight Ed Jackson and the mobile back row caused the Aviva Premiership runners-up plenty of problems at the breakdown.

“I don’t mind whether it’s 6 or 7 as long as I am out there on the park,” he said. “As soon as I started getting a run of games together last season I did my hamstring so it’s just good being back out there with the boys.

“I don’t really try to think about the number on my back, I just play the way I like to and play my normal game.

“There’s not much difference, I suppose you carry a bit more as a blindside and have a bit more involvement at the lineout.

“It benefits us having two 7s on the pitch, depending on what team we are playing against, and it’s always nice to play with Cuddy because he is so good over the ball and in the tackle area.”

The Dragons have pledged to play a more expansive game this season and that is music to the ears of dynamic Griffiths, who became the youngest captain in Newport RFC’s rich history in 2014.

“I like getting my hands on the ball and carrying, so a fast game suits me. We’ve had a good exciting style of play in pre-season and I hope that we can continue that into the season and build on it,” he said.

Captain Lewis Evans is back available for Fridays Guinness Pro12 opener against Ulster after missing the Chiefs friendly but Griffiths is hoping to get the nod for the matchday 23 in Belfast.

“My first game for the Dragons was Ulster away (a 23-6 defeat in November 2014) and fingers crossed selection goes my way and I am able to play out there,” he said.

“Ulster always have a good crowd and are a strong team with a lot to offer so it will be a challenge, but the Exeter game should stand us in good stead, especially the first 50 minutes (when it was 20-16 before the English side won 32-16).

“Exeter are one of the best teams we will come up against all season so sharpen up a few things and we will be in with a good shout.”