DRAGONS-BOUND Ross Moriarty doesn’t intend to give up his Wales spot without a fight when his fellow Lions return in World Cup year.

The 24-year-old, who will head to Rodney Parade from Gloucester next season, has put in a pair of strong displays against South Africa and Argentina on the summer tour.

It has been a welcome return to form for the explosive back row forward, who endured a torrid campaign at Kingsholm.

He played just five times for Gloucester after being hindered by the back injury he suffered on the first game of the Lions tour and then being frozen out after his move to Newport was confirmed.

Moriarty started against Scotland, England and Ireland in the Six Nations but was dropped for the final two rounds against Italy and France.

However, he has grasped the chances given to him on tour in the absence of the rested Taulupe Faletau and Justic Tipuric plus the injured Sam Warburton, Aaron Shingler and Josh Navidi.

In last weekend’s win against the Pumas he was to the fore of a sterling defensive effort by making 26 tackles, the most he has made in 22 Tests.

"I'm not going to sit back and let someone else take my spot easily," said Moriarty. "There is some serious competition and at the moment there are a lot of back-rowers in very good form.

"There will be lots of competition next season but it is only going to make you want to train harder so I'm looking forward to it."

Moriarty has been signed primarily as a number eight by the Dragons but is also at home in the 6 jersey and, with Faletau a shoo-in for Japan 2019, he is happy to be versatile.

"For Wales I'm just happy to get a starting spot, no matter where it is in the back row," he said.

"To be honest it doesn't really impact my game, I just try to keep on doing what I've been doing. I know what I'm good at and that's what I try to stick to.

"Sadly for Josh Navidi and Aaron Shingler they've got injuries at the moment, but they will be coming back wanting to get their spot again."

Moriarty is technically clubless at the moment after the Cherry and Whites released him from his contract early so that he could link up with Wales early, a gesture that has helped the back rower get back to his best.

"Especially given the lack of game time I've had this season to be given the opportunity in the last two games has been great and I've made the most of them," he said.

"I've been involved in the 80 minutes for each game which I wasn't really expecting but I've been pleased with how it's gone.

"The training plan I had put in place before this tour has helped me a lot.

"The early release from Gloucester meant I could come into camp as soon as possible and the fitness we've been doing has definitely done what it was supposed to do.

"I'm really pleased with where I am."