European Challenge Cup: Dragons relishing Gloucester tie

Dragons lost to Sale Sharks in their final pool game in the Challenge Cup

Newport Gwent Dragons boss Lyn Jones is relishing facing holders Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup.

Dragons, Wales' sole survivors in European competitions this campaign, will travel to English Premiership side Gloucester in the last eight in April.

Gloucester topped Pool 4 with six wins out of six while Dragons were second in Pool 2.

"It's something to look forward to and by then we'll have half a dozen players back from injury," Jones said.

"Gloucester away is a good challenge and we're happy with that draw. It's going to be a tight game.

Jones' side will face Sale Sharks or Montpellier in the semi-finals if they overcome David Humphreys' side at Kingsholm.

Dragons reached last season's semi-finals, where they were beaten by Edinburgh, who lost to Gloucester in the final.

"We're proud and delighted to get through to the quarter-finals for the second year on the trot," Jones added.

"We're really enjoying the competition and we play a lot of good rugby in it.

"There's no better challenge than going to Kingsholm to prove to ourselves and the rest of Europe that we are a good team and we've got good players.

"But until then we've got a lot of rugby to play."

Dragons return to Pro12 action on Friday when they host second-placed Leinster at Rodney Parade.

Jones expects a reaction from his side, who are 11th in the Pro12, following their 38-5 loss to Sale Sharks in the European Challenge.

"We're keen to make up lost ground," Jones said.

"There's a long way to go yet in this league and we've got a lot of rugby to play and we look forward to it."