Danny Wilson reckons his London Welsh side’s punishing pre-season schedule is exactly what the doctor ordered as they prepare for their opening Championship league fixture at Bristol in September.

The Dragons produced a creditable display to go down 38-21 to Premiership side London Irish last week, with fellow big-guns Saracens next on the agenda this Sunday.

And Wilson is licking his lips at the prospect.

He said: “This is exactly what we want and need.

“If there is one thing you can guarantee in the Championship this year it is that we will be under pressure in every game.

“So there is no point whatsoever playing friendlies against lower sides and racking up 30 or 40 point wins.

“We need tough tests - I have three games to get my starting line-up sorted and I need to see how these guys perform on the back foot.”

The Dragons ran in three tries against Irish, with Ed Lewis-Pratt, Errie Claasens and Jon Mills on the scoresheet.

And Wilson saw enough to give him cause for optimism.

He added: “For us to score three good tries against a Premiership side is very pleasing.

“In fact I thought we had a few other scoring opportunities that we wasted.

“We missed a few first-up tackles which let them in, and when a side like that get behind you they are always likely to punish you.

“But overall it was a pleasing performance and there was a lot to be happy about.”

Next up is Saracens as Wilson looks to run the rule over his summer recruits.

And the Dragons coach admits he will likely be ringing the changes.

Wilson added: “I will probably make eight changes for the Saracens game.

“We only have three friendlies so I have to chop and change.

“I will be giving everyone an opportunity and it is up to them to impress.”

London Welsh’s next three fixtures: Aug 23 Saracens (f, a), 29 Esher (f, a), Sep 6 Bristol (a )