DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman believes strong-running centre Connor

Edwards could be a “real find” after developing his passing game.

The 20-year-old from Croesyceiliog made his professional debut in the Anglo-Welsh Cup fixture against the Scarlets in November and has gone on to make seven appearances.

With first-choice centres Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan out for the rest of the season, Edwards is likely to add to that tally in the remaining Guinness PRO14 encounters with Benetton, Zebre and the Scarlets.

Edwards won a solitary Wales Under-20s cap – against Italy in the final fixture of last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia – and has been a firm favourite with Bedwas in the Principality Premiership.

But it’s adding softer touches to his direct style that has impressed head coach Jackman.

“His future is very good because he has that physicality and capacity to play directly – he is strong in contact and he is a strong defender,” said Jackman.

“We saw against the Cheetahs, and also over the last couple of months, that his passing game has developed.

“The first try was down to him because he took the ball right under the nose of the defence and then pulled it out the back. That gave the outside backs the opportunity to score in the corner.

“We like him a lot and he was somebody a little bit off the radar who wasn’t touted as being an outstanding

under-age player.

“But he is someone who is very driven and has developed a lot this year under (coaches) Shaun Connor and Barry Maddocks to improve his skill set enormously.

“He could be somebody to come a little bit from left field to be a real find for us.”

The former Newport High School pupil is on the books for next season when he will attempt to put the heat on the more established Dixon, Morgan and Adam Warren.

“He runs that Jamie Roberts line in the 22,” said Jackman.

“Unfortunately we didn’t get the ball to him in time against the Cheetahs and he overran it, because it’s all or nothing – hit him and he scores.

“We were really happy with him against Saracens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup (in January) and said that we wanted to get him game time.

“This could be a really big end of season for him to lay down a marker for next year. He is a big part of our plans.”