LAST season was one that Cory Hill will never forget but now the Dragons and Wales lock is eyeing team success to go along with personal glory.

In August, 2016 the 25-year-old had the target of becoming a regional regular yet he ended the season with six caps to his name, having the honour of being vice-captain on his country's summer tour and getting a surprise call-up to bolster the British and Irish Lions squad for the series against New Zealand.

The breakthrough year means that Hill is arguably the most recognisable name in the Dragons' pack and he is now a player that many members of the squad look up to, something that led new boss Bernard Jackman to name him as captain.

But while 2016/17 was packed with wonderful memories such as winning a first cap against Australia on November 5, getting a first start a fortnight later against Japan, beating South Africa and playing in the Six Nations, it wasn't exactly chocker with fond recollections on club duty.

The Dragons had a nightmare campaign that was derailed by the uncertainty of their future with Zebre the only team to finish beneath them in the Guinness PRO12.

They failed to make it out of their European Rugby Challenge Cup group because of a costly loss to Enisei-STM in Russia, didn't win away from Rodney Parade in any competition and have not enjoyed a success since January.

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But there is hope of brighter times ahead with the Welsh Rugby Union now calling the shots and Jackman injecting freshness since being appointed as head coach.

Hill was given an extended break because of his summer exploits on the Test scene and returned to find a totally different environment.

"It's good to be back and everything has changed to be honest," said Hill, who is preparing for a fifth campaign at Rodney Parade.

"There are some fresh faces in the squad, it's a whole new set-up, the structure has changed and there are more coaches, which is going to be a massive help to us.

"It was hard for the coaches to try and cover everything in the past but Bernard has come in with help from the Union to give him the chance to get people in the right places.

"On a personal note last year was my best yet by getting in the Welsh set-up in the autumn and staying there, so hopefully it's a building block for what is to come.

"But it was a disappointing season for us at the Dragons and things were difficult on and off the pitch.

"We didn't know what way [the takeover] was going to go but now we have come through that and things are looking good.

"Bernard has come in and laid down the law and given everything a shake-up. It's a great environment and it's exciting to be a part of it."

With the optimism comes calls for patience after season upon season of being in the lower end of the Celtic League; not since the second year of regional rugby have the Dragons finished in the top half.

"We are not going to go from 11th to being in contention for winning the PRO14," said Hill.

"It's a building process and we are all working hard to push on because everyone has been given clean slate and will get their chance.

"Over the next year or two I am sure Bernard will look to recruit and I think there are going to be an exciting few seasons ahead."

And Hill hopes that improved Dragons form can help him retain his place in the Wales squad, and get more company.

"We had a couple of boys on the summer tour in Ollie Griffiths and Tyler Morgan but it would be nice to get a few more in the squad," he said. "That will only come from winning a few more games."

The Dragons open their PRO14 campaign by welcoming Leinster to Rodney Parade on Saturday, September 2.

They enjoy a final tune-up against Glasgow at Ebbw Vale tomorrow afternoon but Hill is unlikely to feature in the squad named by Jackman this lunchtime.