Carter looking forward to big occasion

Dragons RFC lock Ben Carter admits it is always a big occasion when Wales play England – as he bids to push his World Cup claims on a big stage this Saturday in Cardiff.

Carter has been named among the replacements – one of five Dragons in the match day squad – for the clash at Principality Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).

The 22-year-old is set to win his 10th cap as Warren Gatland’s men take on England in a warm-up Test that is quickly followed by a trip to Twickenham and home fixture with South Africa.

Carter is back in the international fold after missing the Six Nations and the forward from Caldicot is keen to take the opportunity to show his worth.

“We are excited to play - especially at home,” said Carter, who won the first of his nine caps against Canada in 2021.

“We’re all feeling fit with the amount of training we have been doing and feel we are in a good place.

“Playing England is huge and it’s one fixture I really want to play in. It will always be a big occasion.”

Carter – who made his last international appearance against Argentina last November – has become a key figure for Dragons since making his debut at the age of 19 against Munster in 2020.

He has been challenged by the Wales coaching staff to come up with game-changing moments on the Test stage and Carter has spoken about how his game has progressed in recent times.

“I wanted to work on physicality, and it helps that I have put a bit of weight on and got stronger working in the gym,” he said.

“I feel I have improved over the last three years. Maul defence has been big and that comes with experience.

“I know I still have work to do but having played games for Dragons and Wales, and trained and played with different players, I’ve picked things up. I feel a better than when I started out and I want to show that.”

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