DRAGONS flanker Ollie Griffiths says the disappointment of only getting a brief cameo with Wales last summer has fuelled his desire for Test rugby.

The 22-year-old from Newbridge made his international debut when he featured in June’s 24-6 win against Tonga in Auckland.

His call-up for the tour was a reward for a stunning season in a struggling Dragons side – but Griffiths only came off the bench with two minutes left at Eden Park and then missed out on the squad to face Samoa the following week.

It’s a matter of when, not if he adds to his cap and that all-too-brief international experience has given the Dragons man extra drive to impress Warren Gatland.

“It was a great experience and it was nice to be involved but going out there I expected a bit more than two or three minutes,” said the flanker, who is happiest at openside but can also play blindside and number eight.

“But I am grateful for that opportunity and it’s definitely helped me as a player – I learnt a lot from players and coaches out there.

“It’s made me even more hungry to get more caps. I’ve got that title to my name of being an international but in the back of my head I want to play more and establish myself at that level.

“I know that I need to play well for the Dragons week in, week out and then hopefully I will get another opportunity.”

If Griffiths hits the same form as last season then he could well be in Gatland’s squad to face Australia, Georgia, New Zealand and South Africa this autumn.

Injuries to Sam Warburton, Ross Moriarty and Ellis Jenkins have opened the door for new blood to join established names Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric and Dan Lydiate.

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“It’s going to be even tougher [for the autumn internationals] with the Lions players back but fingers crossed I can get that opportunity again,” said Griffiths.

“There are a lot of other versatile back rowers like Josh Navidi, James King, Will Boyde, so there is masses of competition.”

Griffiths will hope to catch the eye in a daunting Guinness PRO14 assignment at Ulster on Friday evening when he will lead from the front.

He became the youngest captain in Newport RFC’s history as a 19-year-old in 2014/15 and will be calling the shots at Kingspan Stadium, the ground where he made his regional debut three years ago.

“It’s a massive honour to be captain for the weekend,” said Griffiths, who returned from a bruised hip to put in a big performance in last week’s 21-8 victory against Connacht.

“After growing up watching the Dragons and coming through the age grade teams, it’s nice to be able to lead the side out.

“There will be a lot of leaders out there with me – the likes of Rynard Landman, Brok Harris, Adam Hughes – so I will get a lot of help along the way.

“When I’ve been captain in the past I haven’t tried to think about it too much in the way that I play; you’ve got to look after your own job as everyone else does to make the team work best.

“There is the added pressure of decisions but I will have a lot of help out there if I need to make big calls.”

The Dragons name their side tomorrow at midday with Griffiths set to be joined in the back row by teenage blindside Max Williams and number eight Robson Blake, who will make their first PRO14 starts.

Head coach Bernard Jackman has pledged to ring the changes and give opportunities to those who haven’t featured in rounds one to three.