Dragons' Leon Brown urged to star for Wales in Six Nations

The tighthead prop made his first start of the season in the Rodney Parade club’s 29-9 defeat to the Sharks in the Challenge Cup.

The Dragons were well in the game when Brown left the field after a strong showing in the tight against formidable World Cup winner Nche.

Now the 23-time capped prop, who has been hindered by injuries over recent seasons, heads to the Vale Resort to report for Wales duty.

Brown will battle Cardiff’s Kieron Assiratti and Bath novice Archie Griffin for action when the Six Nations gets under way against Scotland in Cardiff on Saturday, February 3.

Leon Brown (right) in action for the Dragons against the Sharks (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Leon was excellent against the best scrummaging loosehead in the world. We need to see that week to week to week,” said Flangan.

“He has the perfect opportunity with Wales to show what he can do. He is very fit, injury-free and he was outstanding against the Sharks.

“He put his hand up [for Wales selection] and his rugby ability is unbelievable, he is a pure athlete who can play the game as a 3 like a back rower. We want to see more of that from Leon.”

Brown is out of contract at the end of the season and is reportedly on the radar of Bristol, with two caps in the Six Nations enough to ensure he would remain eligible for Wales.

The 27-year-old endured a tough time against the Scarlets on New Year’s Day, when penalised four times at the scrum after coming on for the final quarter of the derby win, and was dropped for the loss at Zebre Parma.

Brown has played just four times this season and that has been a judgement call by the management.

“He has been fit now for the last eight weeks. Even though he hasn’t had the game reps, which was my decision, he has had the training reps,” said Flanagan.

“He’s going to be tested over the next 12 weeks and he can go and change everyone’s perception of him for good in that time. It’s over to Leon.”