Prop duo eye Wales recalls after joining Dragons

Dragons props Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis played for Harlequins last season

If Wales boss Steve Tandy wants to add some experience to his new-look side this autumn then he could turn to a pair of Dragons props who have been out in the international cold.

Loose-head Wyn Jones and tight-head Dillon Lewis are back in the United Rugby Championship (URC) after moving to Rodney Parade from Harlequins.

Dragons responded to finishing bottom of the table last season with a huge recruitment drive, and the pair of Welsh front rowers bring Test quality to the squad.

Four years ago Jones was part of the British and Irish Lions line-up going toe-to-toe with South Africa, while Lewis has a half-century of Wales caps and played at the last two World Cups.

Prop Dillon Lewis has won 57 Wales caps

The Dragons new boys were not involved at the end of Warren Gatland's second spell as Wales head coach or during Matt Sherratt's time as caretaker boss but remain options for Tandy.

"There was natural frustration around Wales selection," admitted Lewis, who toured Australia in 2024 but did not play.

"I was quite a frequent figure in the squad before I left for England, then the call-ups came less and less.

"That's where every player aspires to play, the top level at international rugby.

"First and foremost it's about doing what I can for the Dragons and putting my best foot forward with performances to try and help us get wins.

"Hopefully international call-ups can come off the back of that, because there's no hiding from the fact that's where I want to be back playing."

Firstly, Lewis has to ensure he gets the Dragons three jersey and he will battle recently capped Chris Coleman and South African summer signing Rob Hunt.

The 29-year-old Lewis, who played 29 times for Quins over two seasons after moving from Cardiff, should be at the peak of his propping powers and feels the English Premiership helped his development.

"You rub shoulders with different players and learn a lot of new things," he said. "Being in different environments, living away from home for the first time, it all accumulated and I grew as a person and a player."

Growing into a leader

Lewis, settled back home in Llantrisant, is a lively character but is also now a seasoned campaigner who others will look up to.

"I spoke to the coaches about that," he said. "I have got quite a lot of experience at international level and I am 29 now, so that comes with the expectation to hold more of a senior role.

"That was something that excited me. It's a role that I've always wanted and you naturally grow into it.

"Now there is an expectation on me and that helps you slide into the role. There are a lot of good young front rowers that me and Wyn are trying our best to help by passing on knowledge."

Wyn Jones has won 48 caps for Wales

Tight-head has been a problem position for Wales but loose-head stocks are stronger and, at 33, Jones is currently down the pecking order.

However, the prop has no intention of retiring from international rugby and could give Tandy food for thought by going well in the first URC block of games.

"If they were to ask and I was playing well enough, then definitely," said Jones about his Test chances.

"I've always said that while I am still playing rugby I still have aspirations for Wales, otherwise I would hang my boots up.

"The way that my body feels at the moment, if I can put week upon week then there might be an opportunity."

Jones is keen to work under Tandy again after he was the prop's defence coach when the Lions took on the Springboks.

"I was very impressed, not only with his coaching abilities but as a person and how he connected with people," said Jones.

"He is a great man for the job because he is a people person who communicates really well and is thorough as a coach.

"There are not many who have that ability to be a coach on the field and a friend off it, actually caring for players. That's a balance that he has got."

Jones has watched on as Wales endured a torrid time since the 2023 World Cup but is confident that brighter times are ahead.

"It's a rebuilding job and it's not going to come overnight, but we are definitely on the right track with Tandy," he said.

Getting 'stale' at Scarlets

Jones lived in Guildford with former Wales and Lions back Leigh Halfpenny while at Quins and spent plenty of time on the M4 travelling back to the family farm just outside Llandovery.

The prop returns home invigorated by his short stint in the Premiership and ready to battle for the Dragons' number one jersey.

"I probably got stale in the same place and it was a good move for me, I thoroughly enjoyed my time there," said the former Scarlets prop.

"I had a good year and didn't have any injuries; I managed to put week on week and ended up with over 20 appearances.

"A lot of those were from the bench but I was fit week to week, I definitely benefited from that and feel it going into this pre-season.

"I want to play as much rugby as I can. I am over 30 now and the main driver is to perform to the best of my ability for the team."

If Jones and Lewis can do that then they might get Tandy's attention.