HISTORY is repeating for Adam Warren two years after ‘Project Reset’ led to contract uncertainty for the Dragons regular.

In 2019/20 the centre/wing had to be patient to earn a new deal at Rodney Parade despite being a constant in the matchday squad.

That was because of the saga over the Welsh Rugby Union’s funding agreement with the four regions, which delayed Warren signing a fresh contract that was eventually announced that April.

The 29-year-old remains a valuable member of Dean Ryan’s squad yet once again is set to be put through the wringer because of uncertainty over budgets.

Warren is out of contract again next summer but this is another season that is far from normal with the financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic impacting negotiations.

Director of rugby Ryan has made good progress in talks with Wales stars that are nearing the end of deals but the rest of the squad must play the waiting game.

South Wales Argus:

“My agent has started talking a little bit but it's a strange one at the moment because I don't think anyone knows what's going on in terms of budgets, especially with crowds not attending,” said the once-capped Warren, who has made 116 appearances since heading east from the Scarlets in 2015.

“It's small chat rather than anything put in place but that's my challenge, to play as well as I can so that I can't be a player that is knocked aside.

“I've got to make sure I am fighting week in, week out to show that I have got a lot to offer.

Fingers crossed I can keep fit so I can keep working hard, then I am sure something will happen.”

Warren’s case is helped by the fact that Nick Tompkins will return to Saracens next season.

The Wales international is on a year-long loan in Newport while the former European champions play in the English Championship.

His arrival has pushed Warren down the pecking order but he is up for the fight, keen to show that he is not just worthy of a new contract but a starting berth.

South Wales Argus:

He constantly proved his worth when battling with the highly-rated Tyler Morgan, who is now at the Scarlets, and intends to do the same with Tompkins.

Warren’s hopes have been hit by a coronavirus outbreak leading to the postponement of fixtures against Connacht and Edinburgh while the Wales man is on Autumn Nations Cup duty.

“He had the nod in the first few games but with him going away with Wales I was hoping to get a good run and put my stamp on things,” said Warren.

“It did disrupt that but I'd like to think that if I get a few games under my belt that we can keep pushing each other.

“It's similar to Tyler, both young boys that people think really highly of with certain attributes that the Welsh selectors like.

“It does make it tough for me but I know I can perform well and show I am really good at that regional level.

“I'll always fight to try and win that jersey, to prove to people that I am as good if not better than those guys.”

South Wales Argus:

Warren and Tompkins joined forces in the PRO14 fixture against the Scarlets but the arrival of Jamie Roberts, who he will partner in Benetton on Sunday, and presence of Jack Dixon and progression of Aneurin Owen means that is likely to be a rare combinations.

"I am quite versatile and can play 12, 13 and even wing, while Nick likes to play 12 and 13 as well," said Warren.

"There could be times when it is the combination of the two of us, but then there is strength in depth with Jamie coming in and Dixon playing well, plus the youngsters.

"That’s why all of us individually got to take it week by week and keep working, improving and fighting for that jersey."