Prop Jarvis fighting fit and hunting new Dragons deal

The former Wales prop arrived at Rodney Parade from Clermont Auvergne in the summer of 2018 but his first campaign was hindered by injury.

The 33-year-old suffered a torn bicep in pre-season and then, after making 11 of his 14 appearances off the bench, ruptured his hamstring at the Scarlets in January.

The blow ended his season but the misfortune wasn’t over – Jarvis tore his tricep in his first training session back.

But the 18-times capped front rower is fighting fit again and in top form.

Jarvis has been an ever-present since making his comeback in the European Challenge Cup win against Castres in November, impressing whether as loosehead or tighthead, whether as starter or finisher.

Good props are hard to come by, especially ones that can play on either side of the scrum, and the veteran is doing his chances of a contract extension the power of good.

“I’d love to stay but I am just cracking on with my rugby, what will be will be,” said Jarvis, who started out at Bath before heading to the Ospreys.

“I’ve had two long injuries in my career, so that’s plus two at the other end! I am really enjoying myself again, so would love to keep playing.”

“One thing I realised when I was injured for so long was how much I do love this game,” he continued.

“When you have been doing it for a long time it starts to become just your job, then having that lay-off made me realise how much I enjoy playing and being involved with the boys.

“Having ten and a half months on my own, it soon makes you realise when you have been taking things for granted.”

The Dragons under the watchful eye of forwards coach Ceri Jones and former France front rower Olivier Azam, who has been brought in by Dean Ryan to offer some extra advice, have made strides in the set piece in recent weeks.

They had the better of Worcester in the Challenge Cup double-header, edged the Scarlets’ all-Wales front row and then put the squeeze on Cardiff Blues.

“We’ve just put a lot of work and a lot of time into it,” said Jarvis. “There are different ideas and we seem to be working really well as an eight. It doesn’t matter who is playing, we are all on the same page.

“I think that we have made big strides there, with our scrum and our driving maul, which hasn’t got as much credit as it probably could at the moment.”

The Dragons end the derby period with a clash against the Ospreys in Newport, when they are in the strange position of being favourites.

Jarvis’ old team have won just one game this season, are hindered by a lengthy injury list and suffered a 44-0 humiliation against the Scarlets on Boxing Day, a result he believes makes the Dragons’ task harder.

“It will be a tough game and they will be looking to bounce back. We will have to be at our best,” said the prop, who played for the Ospreys between 2011 and 2016.

“They have a strong pack with an international front five. They have world-class operators, they are just in a bit of trouble, but they will come out firing.

“When you get beaten 44-0 you have your backs to the wall and come out swinging. We know that we’ve got to be at our best to just be in the game, it’s not a given at all.

“It will definitely be tough up front. It would have been nicer if they’d had a one-score game! They will definitely target this game to get their season on track.”

The Dragons name their team on Friday with boss Ryan likely to bring back Six Nations hopefuls Elliot Dee and Leon Brown after Richard Hibbard and Jarvis got the nod in Cardiff.