Uncapped Dragons forward tipped for World Cup call

Ryan Woodman missed out on the Six Nations, but the promising Dragons forward has been backed to be in the Wales squad at next year's World Cup.

The 22-year-old blind-side flanker, who can also play lock, is on Steve Tandy's radar and trained with the Test squad last month.

He is a leading option if Wales need reinforcements for Ireland and Italy after losing flanker Taine Plumtree and lock Rhys Davies to injury.

Dragons defence coach Dale MacLeod is confident Woodman will make an international breakthrough soon, and tips him to be mixing it with the world's best in Australia next year.

"He is a talent and I have no doubt that he will be in the group that goes to the World Cup," said MacLeod.

The former Wales Under-20s captain will feature for Dragons against Benetton at Rodney Parade on Saturday (17:30 GMT).

"It's really important that we manage him and don't get him there too early," said MacLeod about the forward's international ambitions.

"He got the opportunity train with Wales and it's so good when young men get a small taste of it.

"I think it's critical that they get a taste rather than getting thrown in and it was great for him because he is a super talent.

"I believe he has the attributes to become world class, it's just how we manage, grow and develop him.

"Steve and his coaching group are doing a great job and I love how they are growing the next lot of players."

Woodman made his Dragons debut in 2023 and has made 42 appearances.

He has featured in 12 of 15 games this season, showing his versatility with two starts in the second row.

"Aerially he is outstanding, whether at the line-out or catching high balls. On the edges he has a good skill set and is growing his collisions and physicality," said Macleod.

"Being a tall lad that will take a bit of time, but he's right across the game whether in defence or attack. He adds so much value on both sides of the ball."