Olympics hero Darren Campbell helps Dragons wing Rio Dyer

The rapid 21-year-old from Basseleg will line up on the left wing against the Ospreys in the Rainbow Cup at Rodney Parade tomorrow (kick-off 1pm).

Dyer is an exciting talent with serious pace and he has learnt how to use it thanks to a sprint legend who lives in Rogerstone.

Darren Campbell triumphed with Great Britain in the 4x100m relay at the 2004 Athens Olympics, four years after he had claimed silver in Sydney in the 200m.

The 47-year-old is a sprint coach who has previously worked with Wasps and when rugby was hit by the coronavirus pandemic he taught Dyer about how to use his pace.

13.03.21 - Dragons v Ulster - Guinness PRO14 - Rio Dyer of Dragons scores a try.

"He was training me throughout lockdown just doing some extra speedwork, trying to stay on top of things," said the winger, whose father is a friend of Campbell's.

"He knew we weren't training as much during lockdown and to keep on top of your speed you've got to keep running, so he said he could take me for some sessions.

"A lot of it was about percentages, he said you don't have to be 100 per cent all the time on the pitch, for instance when you are trying to step, because it's not going to work.

"Or if you go full out trying to get to a position where you don't have to go 100 per cent, you are not going to be able to open up as much as you really went to if you have the ball the next phase.

"It's all about maintaining and understanding your speed. I think it really helped me when I came back into the season."

Dyer made his debut at Saracens in the Anglo-Welsh Cup three years ago and five games for Bernard Jackman's side.

After a spell with Wales Sevens, he burst back onto the scene last season when he received a late call-up to the side to face the Ospreys at a packed Rodney Parade.

Lining up against George North, he scored a try and was named man of the match.

04.01.20 - Dragons v Ospreys - Guinness Pro 14 - Rio Dyer of Dragons is tackled by George North of Ospreys

"It was on the day that Dean told me I was going to start," he said. "I didn't know the moves but it was good to get out there.

"It was good knowing that I was going to start but on the other hand it was a derby and a full crowd waiting for Ashton!"

Dyer is just one of the Dragons' rapid options, although he declined to comment on who would win out of a race against Ashton Hewitt, Jared Rosser and Jonah Holmes.

Hewitt's injury misfortune, with the Wales hopeful unlikely to play again in 2021 because of ruptured knee ligaments, has opened the door for the bright talent to have a run in the first team.

Boss Dean Ryan hopes first-team experiences can help the winger add to his pace and finishing prowess.

"I am still pretty young, still learning new things and trying to expand my game in terms of my defence, my kicking and my positioning," said Dyer.

"It's also about trying to bring myself into the game a little bit more rather than just standing out wide."