Dragons full-back Angus O’Brien still chasing the Wales dream

The big-kicking full-back has never been closer to a call-up but will not let that change his approach.

“I had a call from Matt Sherratt and it was good to get some feedback,” said O’Brien, who will have been encouraged by Olly Cracknell winning his first cap at the age of 31 in the autumn.

“Everybody wants to play for Wales and I am no different but ultimately my job is to do as well as I can for the Dragons.

“I try not to think about Wales took much. It’s still a goal and I would love the opportunity one day but I just focus on being the best that I can to help us continue our momentum.”

Dragons have just two players in the Wales squad – number eight Aaron Wainwright and lock Ben Carter – but their strong performances mean others are on the fringes.

Flanker or lock Ryan Woodman was invited to train with Steve Tandy’s squad at the start of the week while wing Rio Dyer, scrum-half Che Hope and hooker Brodie Coghlan were also contacted by the national coaching staff after missing out.

“The Wales coaches have been around the clubs since Steve has been in post,” said O’Brien.

“All that we can do is keep performing, winning and challenging each other – the better that we do at Dragons, the more boys we will have in the mix for Wales.”