Qualified lawyer Rodrigo Martinez, an Argentina international, is chasing glory with Newport Gwent Dragons in the Challenge Cup. The three-times capped Argentina international has played 41 of 62 possible games for the Newport-based region since joining in 2021. His journey involved a stint at Wasps followed by London Irish before finding stability at Dragons. 'Moving to the Dragons has been good,' Martinez stated, 'there have been some tough moments but I love what we are trying to build and develop here.' He competes for starts against Wales internationals Wyn Jones and fit-again Rhodri Jones, plus promising young forwards Jordan Morris and Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths. 'Internal competition is what is making us better,' Martinez added, praising the young guys stepping up.

His scrummaging prowess is key, as he believes 'for a prop everything starts at the scrum.' Martinez linked up with Argentina for a training camp and played for an Argentina XV last summer, emphasizing scrums, defence, and the breakdown are where he gains confidence. After the Dragons' scrum went strongly against Stade Francais, Martinez hopes for similar performance in Parma on Saturday.