New Wales hooker Rhys Thomas says he will be concentrating on cementing his regional place next season. The burly 23-year-old Cardiff Blues man capped a remarkable rise this year with two caps on Wales' highly successful summer tour of the USA and Canada.
But he does not feel the time has come for Wales to dispense with rivals Mefin Davies (32) and Robin McBryde (35).
"If you look at how Mefin and Robin have gone this season they've clearly got a lot left," Thomas told BBC Sport.
"It's not my time yet, they've just won the Grand Slam so I hope to learn off them and add things to my game for the future.
"I'm also in competition with younger hookers like Matthew Rees and [fellow Cardiff Blues player] Gareth Williams.  |  All I wanted as a kid was to get a Welsh cap and now I just want more |
"All I wanted as a kid was to get a Welsh cap and now I just want more, but for now the realistic goal is to play well for my region. "The Canada Test was a good standard compared to regional rugby, they gave 100% and it was a good learning experience for me.
"I'll have a break now and get my head round the tour, then I'll be looking to do well for the Blues and will see where that takes me."
MMIX
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