Full back Huw Anderson has vowed to keep ‘enjoying the intensity’ and grasping the opportunity - after another dazzling display at Rodney Parade.
The 20-year-old from Caerphilly has caught the eye when making eight appearances with tries against Newcastle, the Scarlets and Ulster.
The Dragons full-back, who recently signed a long-term deal, was at the centre of the narrow 34-30 defeat to Ulster, with a fist half try and searing break to send Rhodri Williams over.
Anderson, who earlier this season impressed in Super Rygbi Cymru with Pontypool.
“I am enjoying the intensity,” he said. “Everyone wants to play at this level and I’m just glad to have been able to get plenty of game time,” said Anderson.
“I knew it would be a step up and a massive lift from what I am used to but the more that you play at this level, the easier that you find it.
“I am excited for next year. It hasn’t gone our way with results, but we will try and build at the end of it with some good performances and hopefully wins to roll into next season.
“I would say that my strength is having a go at people and running in space, that’s what I enjoy,” he added.
“This level is so fast, so your fitness has to be higher and you need to communicate with your wingers. Learning to communicate accurately and effectively under pressure has been my biggest work-on.”
Anderson, whose World Rugby Under-20 Championship was ended after just one game last summer because of a serious infection that hospitalised him in South Africa, was invited to link up with the Wales squad in the autumn.
He made an impression in front of the Wales coaches and went from that experience to being promoted from Pontypool to the 15 jersey at Dragons.
“It was another step up in terms of skill sets, accuracy and intensity,” he said.
“It was a tough week while they were prepping for the autumn internationals, and it was good learning.
“I didn’t expect anything like that at the start of the season, but you just have to take it all in your stride and focus on the next job.”
I knew it would be a step up and a massive lift from what I am used to but the more that you play at this level, the easier that you find it...
