NEWPORT Gwent Dragons' Luc Jones hopes his gets plenty of opportunity to impress on his return the New Zealand for the Junior World Championship, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Wales Under-20s scrum-half enjoyed a short spell in Gore near Invercargill last year, playing for Eastern Northern Barbarians and Southland.

That means the 20-year-old knows all about the rugby-mad country and his would love to get plenty of game time Down Under after a frustrating few months.

"I'm really excited and this tournament has been a long time coming after having a spell out," said Jones, who played four games for the Dragons last season.

"I had tendonitis in my knees, which was preventing me from playing regularly, and after the Six Nations it was decided that it would be best to have a few weeks off to get things right.

"They are fine now and it was the lungs that were the problem against Scotland in our warm-up game! Hopefully I can show some form in training and secure that starting spot but there is tough competition with Tom Williams (of Cardiff Blues).

"But with three group games in nine days we will all have to play our part. It's going to take a big effort from everyone."

Wales start their campaign against Fiji on Monday before clashes against Ireland on Friday and France a week on Tuesday. The three group winners progress to the semi-finals along with the best runner-up.

Jones is one of 12 Dragons in the 28-strong squad and they will be attempting to impress his dad and director of rugby Lyn, who will be in New Zealand for the tournament.