Rhodri Williams: Dragons scrum-half shocked by Wales recall

Williams recalled his last international experience and believes he has matured as a player in the intervening years.

“That was a special day, coming off the bench and the boys were doing really well,” said Williams.

“I managed to get on the end of a kick to score. Those are fond memories and fingers crossed I can push for another opportunity.

“There has been a lot of rugby played since then, with a lot more experience. I feel I am in a good place.”

Williams, who started his professional career with Scarlets, has been named alongside Gloucester’s scrum-half Tomos Williams and Cardiff number nine Ellis Bevan.

He will have benefitted from the decision of Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies to retire from international rugby and has been preferred to younger Ospreys duo Reuben Morgan-Williams and Kieran Hardy.

Williams is one of four Dragons players in the squad alongside Aaron Wainwright, Ben Carter and Rio Dyer.

“We are chuffed to bits for Rhodri,” said Flanagan.

“He is an international quality nine and has put in the hard work, been patient and diligent with how he has prepared and performed.

“It’s always been his ambition to get back in the Wales squad and it’s our job to give players the best possible chance to get in.”

Flanagan believes the selection is reward for Williams’ consistent form since he joined the side from Bristol.

“He has kept knocking away and has been excellent, he has been one of our best players for a couple of years,” said Flanagan.

“He came to the Dragons with an ambition to play a lot of rugby and he has had competition whether it’s been from Gonzalo Bertranou or Dane Blacker.”