The Wales centre star, on loan at Rodney Parade from Saracens for a year, said last weekend’s 20-20 draw against the Ospreys at the Liberty Stadium was a chance to “blow away the rust”, but knows the home clash with fellow European Challenge Cup quarter-finalists the Scarlets will be an even bigger test.
That game saw him go head-to-head with Welsh midfield rival Owen Watkins and this weekend h will have another rival on his case in Scarlets new recruit Johnny Williams. Tompkins knows he “can’t take anything for granted” as he looks to hold onto the place he cemented in the Welsh midfield after opting to play for Wales at the start of the year and is relishing the challenge.
“I know Johnny pretty well as he was in the year below me in the English age grade system. I’ve watched a lot of him and he’s a brilliant ball carrier, very strong and a good passer,” said Tompkins.
Relieved at finally getting his first game under his belt since lockdown ended, Tompkins is no looking forward to making a big contribution both on and off the field at Rodney Parade. Having had a first taste of Guinness PRO14 action last weekend he can’t wait for another chance to play.
“It was really hard to put into words what it felt like coming back. I felt really nervous and I was worried that I might have forgotten how to tackle or run into people,” he said.
“Then I got my first carry and it all started to come back to me. We just had to get out there and blow the rust off.
“We tried to force things a bit too much against the Ospreys, but that came from the nerves and just being so glad to be back out there. That’s why these games are so important – you want to see a high standard, to raise the bar.
“I’ve had to step up a little bit since joining the Dragons. I’m not the oldest, but I’m nearly there, and I’ve enjoyed stepping into a leadership role.
“Since joining the region everything I hoped for has been there and some. The coaches have been brilliant and everyone has been really welcoming.
“The drive is there, the coaches are there and there is a definite direction at the club. There are so many young players who are eager to learn.
“I haven’t come to a club that is set in its ways. I’ve come to a club that is building on something. I just want to keep building on that momentum.”
