PROMISING young front rower Rhodri Jones, who wins his first Wales cap against the Barbarians on Saturday, is the prop that got away from the Newport Gwent Dragons.

The North Walian’s talent was spotted by the region in 2008 and he spent a year with the Dragons under-18s.

But his schooling at Llandovery College saw Jones opt to join the Scarlets instead of throwing in his lot in with the Gwent region.

It’s a case of what might have been for the Rodney Parade side with the up-and-coming prop – who can play both loosehead and tighthead – being tipped for big things.

“I had a year with the Dragons then went back to the Scarlets,” said the 20-year-old who is from the village of Pennal, near Machynlleth.

“I enjoyed my time with the Dragons but I was in Llandovery and I would have had to move college so I stayed with the Scarlets,” he added.

The youngster has a big gap to plug against the Baa-Baas on Saturday, filling in at No 3 for Adam Jones, one of the best tightheads in the game.

Jones said the great man has been giving him some helpful advice: “Adam is experienced and showing that he’s a rock, one of the best scrummagers in the world.

“Adam has been helpful. He’s been giving me pointers and tips – it’s been great to have his help. But practise makes perfect: the more you do it the better you are going to get.”

Jones comes from farming stock and revealed how he gets along well with another Wales teammate with an agricultural background – Dragons blindside flanker Dan Lydiate.

The Six Nations’ player of the year grew up on a sheep farm near Llandrindod Wells in Powys.

Jones said: “My parents still have a 350-acre sheep-and-cattle farm. It’s a hill farm that used to be a dairy farm.

“I worked on the farm every day as a youngster and I enjoyed it every day. Dan Lydiate and I regularly talk about tractors!”

On making his debut, the 6ft 3in, 18st 11lb prop said: “It’s a fantastic honour. – I’ve been looking forward to this day since I started playing rugby. It’s every boy’s dream.”