GRAND Slam star Aaron Wainwright is relishing a rapid return to regional rugby when the Dragons bid to do the double over the Ospreys this afternoon.

Last Saturday the flanker came off the bench at Principality Stadium to help Wales secure a Six Nations clean sweep with victory against Ireland.

Wainwright, who won his first cap in Argentina last summer, featured in every game of the championship but rest can wait until May for the 21-year-old from Bassaleg.

He starts at the Liberty Stadium and wouldn't have it any other way.

South Wales Argus:

"We had a week off during the Six Nations and I would've gone and played for the Dragons because I am just enjoying playing rugby – I don't want there to be a week when I don't have a game," said Wainwright, who is selected at blindside but can play across the back row.

"It has been enjoyable to be back training with the rest of the Dragons boys and the Ospreys game is a big one."

Wainwright was to the fore when the Rodney Parade region ended a four-year derby drought with a 23-22 win against today's hosts at the end of last year, making 22 tackles in a typically energetic performance.

"In December we defended brilliantly and had to front up to them because they are a physical side with a big pack and a strong driving game," said the eight-times capped forward.

"If we can nullify their set piece and make sure we don't give them any easy ins then hopefully we will be able to do the same as we did at Rodney Parade.

"We want to do the double on them and this is another chance to perform and catch the eye of Wales coaches.

"As a team we want to finish the season strongly and reward the fans because their support has been excellent throughout the highs and the lows this season."

Wainwright started in Italy but came off the bench against France, England, Scotland and Ireland after backing up the trio of Josh Navidi, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty.

South Wales Argus:

He is joined in the Dragons XV by Moriarty this afternoon and will lock horns with Tipuric, Adam Beard, Nicky Smith, Aled Davies and Owen Watkin, who he celebrated with in Cardiff last weekend.

"We go from training and playing with them one week to being against them the next," said Wainwright. "It will be case of getting our rugby heads on with the aim of smashing into them and having a catch-up after!"

Dragons hooker Elliot Dee, who also featured in every Six Nations game, misses out after a blow to his ribs against the Irish.