JUST like politics, a week is a long time in the world of sport, although 80 minutes could seem like an eternity for the Dragons in France today.

Staff and players found out over the course of Monday night that Bernard Jackman’s 18-month stint as head coach had come to an end.

Forwards chief Ceri Jones stepped up to keep the hotseat warm for the Irishman’s successor, who is expected to be named within the next 48 hours.

It looks like current Wales defence maestro Shaun Edwards is set to take the reins until the end of the campaign, but before an announcement is made the Dragons have a game to play.

And it’s not just any team the Rodney Parade region have to face.

Not only do Clermont Auvergne head European Challenge Cup Pool One, they also lead the French Top 14 and boast a home record that few, if any, can match.

The Dragons will have Wales stars Cory Hill, Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Elliot Dee and Tyler Morgan back for the encounter at the Stade Marcel-Michelin (kick-off 1pm GMT).

On top of that there is the return from injury of Gavin Henson, who takes a place on the bench, while the Dragons boast a front row and back row of internationals.

Many will feel the visitors are on a damage limitation exercise, particularly given their two most recent displays, when a total of 107 points were conceded against Leinster and Northampton.

But in Jones, they have a son of Gwent in charge for the tie, and the fact the Dragons are virtually out of contention for the last eight won’t mean there is nothing to play for.

“All we’ve had to do is try and gel and focus on the weekend,” he said.

“We know the task ahead of us, Clermont away is a massive game, first and foremost.

“Leading into the Welsh derbies we just need to be prepared to go out there and give the best performance we possibly can.

“All we did as a group was to get together and say, ‘how are we going to beat Clermont?’ “That’s our sole focus because, realistically, that’s what we’re here for, that’s what I’m here for, it’s to best prepare this group with the other coaches going to Clermont.

“You’ve got to ask yourself how you would best prepare a team for this.

“It is about galvanising the group of players and attempting to go out there and give the best performance we possibly can, and that’s what I intend to do.

“It’s a huge challenge. You look at their squad and them going to the top of the French championship, but we’ve just got to go out there and rise to the challenge.

“The players understand the challenge fully. Every player knows the challenge of going to Clermont. It’s an exciting one because it’s one of the most formidable places in Europe to go.

“If you can’t be excited about that and the Welsh derbies then you don’t deserve to be here or at any other club, and that goes for me as well.

“It’s a very exciting time, we just need to take that excitement and put it on the field.”

He added: “I’m from this region and know how tribal it can be, but as far as we’re concerned we need to do the best job we possibly can to try and galvanise it because there is a strong power base of rugby within Gwent.

“That’s something I’m hugely proud of, our heritage within Gwent, and it’s something I look forward to helping to work on going forward.

“It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation.

“We need the results to galvanise the region, so we need to put our best foot forward and produce performances that the region is proud of, and that’s our sole focus.”