NEWPORT Gwent Dragons flanker Ollie Griffiths is ready to give it everything in training to turn the honour of a Wales call-up into the dream of a first cap.

The 22-year-old from Newbridge swept the board at the Dragons’ awards night on Friday, winning Argus Dragon of the Year, the Players’ Player of the Year and the Worthington’s Supporters’ Player of the year honours.

But the season isn’t over for Griffiths with the back row forward now eyeing an international debut after being called up for the summer tour to face Tonga and Samoa.

The flanker had been tipped to feature in the absence of Lions quartet Sam Warburton, Taulupe Faletau, Justin Tipuric and Ross Moriarty but was still in shock when the news was confirmed.

Now he intends to impress interim head coach Robin McBryde to ensure that he isn’t just watching on from the stands in Auckland and Apia.

“A few people had been saying I might be in the mix but I didn’t want to get my hopes up or get too ahead of myself so it was great to get the news,” said Griffiths.

“It was really exciting and I can’t wait to get stuck into training and get the chance to show what I can do. If I can win a cap then it would be highlight of the year.

“I will have to wait to see how it goes with training because there is still massive competition in the back row even without the Lions with Ellis Jenkins, Josh Navidi, Thomas Young and James King while a couple of the second rows who can slot in if they need to.

“There will be a lot put on training and putting your hand up for a starting spot. You can’t really leave anything out there in training because it’s the chance to earn selection in the Tests.”

It was a chastening campaign for the Dragons who won just four games in the Guinness PRO12 to finish with just Zebre beneath them.

However, the performances of Griffiths provided some light with the forward making 22 appearances across the back row and impressing with his tackling, turnovers and explosive ball carrying.

“I played a lot of rugby this season and feel that my game has improved,” he said. “It’s nice to get the awards, especially the one voted for by the players because it feels special to be recognised by the boys who you train and play with week in, week out.

“It’s been a frustrating year for us and we didn’t get the number of wins that we wanted but we are definitely capable of improving next season.

“We have got the players and the right people in the room, so with the vote for the WRU takeover going through things are only going to go on an upward curve.”

Back row forward Harri Keddie won the most promising player award, full-back Carl Meyer was honoured for his exploits for the community department while departing prop Craig Mitchell was named clubman of the year by his teammates.