NEWPORT Gwent Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones is relishing the chance to have a close look at "the best centre in the Premiership" after signing Rhys Williams on loan, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons made their move for the 26-year-old Carmarthen Quins player because of a midfield injury crisis.

Ashley Smith is their only fit centre with Pat Leach (knee), Tyler Morgan (knee), Jack Dixon (wrist) and Ross Wardle (knee) on the treatment table while wing Tom Prydie, who has been covering at 13, is with the Wales squad.

The Dragons signed Ospreys centre Ben John on loan in September but he suffered a hamstring strain against the Scarlets.

Now they have bolstered their ranks with Williams, who came through the Scarlets Academy and after impressing with Llandovery earned a professional deal with Nevers in France.

Last season he scored 12 tries for the Quins and played inside centre last weekend when British and Irish Cup holders Leinster A were turned over in Carmarthen.

"Rhys is a talented player who is far and away the best centre in the Premiership," said Jones. "He deserves a chance to see if he has got a future in professional rugby and we are grateful to Carmarthen Quins for loaning him to us."

Williams will be up for selection in Saturday's Guinness Pro12 clash against Ulster at Ravenhill and will then get a chance against Harlequins and the Ospreys in the LV= Cup.

Talented 17-year-old Dragons academy centre Barney Nightingale is also likely to get game time at the Twickenham Stoop and Brewery Field in the development tournament.

– Regional Rugby Wales, the organisation that represents Newport Gwent Dragons, the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets, has been rebranded as Pro Rugby Wales.

Chief executive Mark Davies said: "Practically, though contractually we are defined as Regions, to our supporters and sponsors we are their clubs, to our coaches and players the jersey they commit to every week.

"In fact, what we actually represent is the professional game in Wales – the four Welsh professional squads who play in the Pro12 league.

"So Pro Rugby Wales simply describes what we are and what we do. For any potential commercial partner, that's a clear position to understand."