FLANKER James Benjamin hopes that the British and Irish Cup campaign can help him hit the ground running on his return to the Newport Gwent Dragons first team, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 21-year-old from Rogerstone has not featured for Lyn Jones’ team since October’s 37-13 loss to Leinster in Dublin but is set to return to the matchday 23 for tomorrow’s return fixture with the Irish province.

Injuries to Ollie Griffiths, Ed Jackson, Andrew Coombs and James Thomas plus Taulupe Faletau’s Wales commitments have opened the door for the former Wales Under-20s back row forward, who enjoyed a breakthrough season when making 16 appearances in 2015/15.

And Benjamin hopes to get his opportunity in the Guinness Pro12 after being one of the leading lights for the Dragons Premiership Select XV in their fixtures against Doncaster, Jersey and Connacht Eagles in the cross-border competition.

“It was good to finish the tournament with a win and we were competitive in every game apart from the home defeat to Doncaster, when we just didn’t turn up,” he said.

“The competition has been great for me and it is a step up from the Principality Premiership. We have approached things in the same way as we do Dragons games and it has been invaluable for a lot of the boys.

“It’s important to keep on playing and performing if you want to get back into the (first) team. It’s up to us to keep on putting our hands up by working hard in training and impressing the coaches.”

Benjamin featured for Wales sevens in the tournament in South Africa and has been presented with an opportunity to get back into the Dragons fold by fellow young gun Griffiths suffering a hamstring injury while training with the national squad ahead of the legs in New Zealand and Australia.

“It’s a shame for Ollie because he has done really well since coming into the side,” said Benjamin, who played across the back row for Wales Under-20s. “If I now get my opportunity I have to make sure I take it.”

The back row injuries have left the Dragons down to their last four senior options in Benjamin, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans and Nick Crosswell. Josh Skinner and Harri Keddie are yet to make their regional bows while lock Rynard Landman is an emergency option.