Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins insists he is up to the challenge as he looks to build on his breakthrough season that saw him become a senor Wales international.

The 23-year-old was one of the stand-out players at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last season and capped his year off by making his Wales debut against the world champions New Zealand on the summer tour.

After experiencing international rugby for the first time, the young openside is chomping at the bit to kick on and force his way back into Warren Gatland's squad for the Autumn Internationals in November.

"I just feel like I've got to step up again and carry on where I left off last season. Last season was a step up for me performance wise and I'm hoping to do the same again," said Jenkins.

"Now I've got a taste of what the international setup is like, I just want to do my best for the Blues and give myself the best chance of getting back in there. I think it's the goal of any player in Wales, to be honest, and if they said anything else then they'd be lying."

Having played a part in all three tests against the World Champions, Jenkins puts his incredible rise down to the back-row competition he faces at the Blues, with Wales captain Sam Warburton, Josh Navidi and new signing Nick Williams all vying for selection in Danny Wilson's side.

"Being behind Sam and Josh, pushing my way through and then the three of us playing together probably helped my cause. I'm not just here to make up the numbers, I want to play," added Jenkins.

"I've made it clear to Danny that the best player should play and he's said the same thing as well. The three of us are competing, whether it's for the same jersey or if we're all playing together - it'll bring the best out in us and that's good for the team."

The Blues will be hoping to make a better start than last year, where six losses from the first seven matches left the region playing catch-up. They finished the season well but Jenkins know they must improve if they are to break into the top six and challenge for a play-off place and European qualification.

"We want to improve on last year. We haven't really spoken about it but, from my point of view, we need to challenge on a consistent basis - we have shown we can test the best teams," said Jenkins.

"We scored a lot of points last year but, on the flipside, we conceded a lot too so our defence is something we've worked really hard on."