ANDREW Coombs is relishing the role of being Wales’ elder statesman ahead of the tour to Japan.

The Newport Gwent Dragons lock is the oldest player in the 27-man squad that flies out today for the two-Test trip to the Far East.

And despite only having four months of life as an international following his Six Nations exploits, the 28-year-old from Nelson acknowledges the need to be a father figure in an inexperienced squad.

“I don’t feel like the new boy any more and it’s nice for others to be in the position to possibly win their first caps,” said Coombs.

“I am the oldest on the trip and while four caps is not a lot of international experience, it’s more than plenty of the other boys have.

“That means that I have a duty to try and lead the youngsters and set an example on the trip, to set the same standards as the Six Nations.

“I got given an opportunity earlier in the year and took it. I hope some of the squad can do the same.”

Coombs enjoyed a rapid rise in the Six Nations when he followed an impressive debut against Ireland with super showings against France, Italy and England.

That has given him a taste for the Test scene and he knows the importance of catching the eye in Japan if he is to feature when the British and Irish Lions return.

“I am still as hungry as I was before I got capped and I know that I have to keep pushing myself because of the strength in depth in the second row,” he said.

“There is so much quality in this squad, then there are the Lions boys (Ian Evans and Alun Wyn Jones) and Luke Charteris to come back.

“There is so much competition and all of us on this tour know that we have to give a good account of ourselves and come away with two wins.

“We’ve been given a massive opportunity to make a statement ahead of the autumn Tests and everyone has a lot to prove.

“The only way that we can do that is by winning both Tests and that won’t be easy against Japan.

“They are well coached (by ex-Australia boss Eddie Jones) and have come on leaps and bounds recently.

“We have to impose ourselves on them and be physical so that means there is pressure on us forwards, but it’s a challenge we are excited by.”