Scrum half and captain Rhodri Williams is determined to take his summer chance with Wales – after admitting he feared his international chances could have gone.
Williams was one of eight Dragons named by Wales head coach Wayne Pivac in his squad for the summer Tests with Canada and Argentina.
The 28-year made his full international debut against Tonga back in November 2013 - as a second-half replacement – but has not featured since a clash with Scotland in 2014.
But after seven years, Williams is now back in the mix and determined not to let the opportunity pass him by.
“It's been a long time and there were times when I thought that it had probably gone and passed me by,” admitted Williams, speaking at the latest Q&A session with supporters, in association with the DOSC.
“I am just chuffed to be able to put my hand up again, get into camp and have a good go at it.
“It was a surprise, there were times in recent years when I thought that time was ticking.
"It's something you really want to be involved in and sometimes it's nicer for it to be a surprise rather than wondering if you are going to in and then being let down.
“We were training in a backs unit (when the squad was named),” revealed Williams. “You get emailed 10 minutes before the selection. I walked into the changing room and the forwards were waiting to do their units. They just all started clapping, so that was quite a special moment, one that I will remember.”
News of Williams return has been welcomed by boss Dean Ryan who added: “I have no doubts about Rhodri’s ability.
“We need to be careful in Wales because there is a small talent pool and people will get exposed to international rugby very early. But that doesn’t mean they go on to play the next eight to years.
“Sometimes how we deal with people that come back out of the squad is really important and Rhodri is a case in point.
“His first exposure to international rugby was at an early age and he is almost written off because that is not what they wanted at that particular time.
“Rhodri has been outstanding in his time at Bristol and back here and his response to really strong competition around this place, with the likes of Gonzalo (Bertranou), has driven him on to higher standards.
“I have no doubts Rhodri can play international rugby so I am delighted that he is in that mix.”
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I am just chuffed to be able to put my hand up again, get into camp and have a good go at it...
