Giant lock Max Williams is determined to keep learning from the senior professionals around him as he continues his rugby education at Dragons.
The 21-year-old from Newport, who starts in the Celtic Cup clash with Scarlets A on Saturday at Rodney Parade (kick-off 1pm), has impressed in the opening weeks of the cup campaign.
The former Wales Under-20s ace has started in the engine room against Connacht Eagles, Munster A and Cardiff Blues A.
And he believes he is now reaping the rewards of being part of the senior set-up at Dragons and getting the chance to work with the likes of Cory Hill and Lewis Evans.
"I have learned a lot more from being around the senior boys,” he said. “Physically I have got better, but the main aspect has been the learning and applying that to my game and being confident.
"That has helped me progress. It's about doing your homework, seeing the bigger picture and applying that to how we play.
"I am learning from the likes of Shanksey and Cory – where they are now is where I want to get to. I am learning from the senior players but I still want to try and push them.
"I am not one of the younger ones in the Celtic Cup team and to be honest that is beneficial too – I can work on aspects of the game and present them to the boys.”
Williams has also relished the Celtic Cup bid and the new style of rugby at Dragons.
"You can see how we have played that it has been enjoyable for everybody and we are happy with how things have gone," he added.
"It's been a long pre-season so now there are a run of games it is a chance for everyone to put their name forward."
"Dean wants us to play high-tempo rugby and for boys like me I don't have to think too much, I can just go forward. It's all about working hard."
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I am learning from the likes of Shanksey and Cory – where they are now is where I want to get to...
