DRAGONS full-back Angus O’Brien knows all about getting to the latter stages of a European tournament after playing his part in the region’s run to the Challenge Cup last four two seasons ago, writes David Williams.

The 23-year-old came off the bench in the 23-21 quarter-final victory away to Gloucester and was also a replacement against Montpellier in the semis as the Dragons were beaten 22-12 in France.

And it’s those big days out that O’Brien, whose side currently sit second in Pool 1 following their 15-0 defeat of Enisei-STM, wants to experience again this term.

“I was on the bench for both those games and obviously they were great occasions for us,” he said.

“To get the win in Gloucester was awesome and it was a really good day, and it’s something we want to experience again.

“Everyone wants to get through to the later stages of these European competitions and we’re no different – we’re dying to get back there.”

Assessing where the Dragons are now compared to that 2015/16 campaign, he added: “I think we are in a better place as a squad now.

“Since Bernard has come in there’s been quite a bit of change, especially on the field with the way we’re trying to play.

“I think that suits us and we’ll keep adapting our game week in and week out, and we can be confident going into these European fixtures.”

O’Brien continued: “We’ve spoken about these home games in December and those fixtures against the Blues and Ospreys around Christmas time are huge for us.

“We’ll be looking at those as games we want to win but we’re taking it game by game and making sure we put the performances in in Europe that will give us confidence going into the derbies.”

With Zane Kirchner and Carl Meyer injured, O’Brien has played at full-back in recent weeks, adapting well to his new role.

O’Brien, who is more accustomed to the number 10 jersey, said: “Playing at full-back is a little bit different but the way which we play enables me to step in as that first receiver now and then, which I’m comfortable with doing.

“I can’t say I’ve played at 15 a great deal but I’ve enjoyed it. You find yourself in the backfield quite a bit as a 10 anyway so that part I was familiar with.

“Attacking wise, having those different roles and just making sure I’m running the right lines and starting in the right positions took a few training sessions.”