Giant lock Will Rowlands is excited to start his career in Wales with the Dragons a move he believes will be a big boost to his Wales opportunities.
The 29-year-old has joined the men of Gwent from Gallagher Premiership outfit Wasps ahead of the 2021/2022 campaign.
Rowlands formed a second-row partnership with fellow Dragon Ben Carter in last weekend's international against Canada, providing a taste of what is to come for both club and country.
The eight-timed capped international admits it was difficult moving between international camps while at Wasps but is hoping the move to Newport will be a positive move and can only help his Wales ambitions.
"It's an exciting group and hopefully I can add a bit and play my part for the squad moving forward to get some results. If you want to play international rugby then you have to play well for your region or club," said Rowlands.
"Aside from having to come to Wales in order to continue playing for Wales [because of the 60-cap rule], I definitely saw it as a positive.”
"Trying to do those Six Nations campaigns when dragged between two places was pretty difficult, particularly when trying to call a lineout or establish yourself in a team and you are missing days of training.
"It's a tough ask so I am excited about hopefully being here the whole time, getting picked to play for Wales and playing well for the Dragons."
There were eight Dragons involved in Wales 68-12 victory over the Canadians at the Principality Stadium on Saturday.
Rowlands formed a second-row partnership with 20-year-old Carter, received lineout ball from hooker Elliot Dee and worked with back rowers Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty, while tighthead Leon Brown and flanker Taine Basham came off the bench at Principality Stadium.
The second-row pair went up against each other in the European Champions Cup in December, when it was then 19-year-old Carter's third senior appearance and second start, and the new Dragons signing has been impressed.
Rowlands admits he is excited at the prospect of playing alongside Carter, who earned man of the match on his Wales debut, a lot more for both Wales and the Dragons.
"It was great playing with Ben. He has a very mature head for a 20-year-old," said Rowlands. "He dealt with the occasion really well and played great, so I am looking forward to playing with him a few more times for Wales and the Dragons.
"He has done very well and is an example that when you get an opportunity in sport for whatever reason then you just need to take it. Full credit to Ben, he did that at the weekend.
"He definitely doesn't come across as a 20-year-old guy, he's got a pretty mature head on him and is methodical and diligent. He has all the attributes to go pretty far in the game."
