KINGSLEY Jones believes uncapped Newport Gwent Dragons young guns Jack Dixon and Elliot Dee are Wales players in-waiting and worthy of dual contracts, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons currently have just two players, Hallam Amos and Tyler Morgan, among the 16 who have penned dual deals with their regions and the Welsh Rugby Union.

Jones believes that 20-year-old centre Dixon, who was a member of Warren Gatland's World Cup training squad, and 21-year-old hooker Dee, who would have been in contention were it not for a shoulder injury, will soon be knocking on the door for Test honours.

He said: "Young guys like Jack Dixon and Elliot Dee are players that can go on to play for Wales, (20-year-old openside) Ollie Griffiths is another one with huge potential and will I am sure play for Wales.

"The Welsh Rugby Union have to look carefully at it. If I was in their shoes I would look to centrally contract the main core players and then, as they have done with Tyler and Hallam, to keep the periphery in Wales for the future."

The 16-strong dual contract list currently features four Scarlets, two Cardiff Blues and eight Ospreys, including uncapped lock Rory Thornton.

Lions centre Jonathan Davies is on the brink of joining the Llanelli side's contingent while the other regions would be likely to profit from any other high-profile returnees.

Jones said: "I don't think that we are falling behind, we are stepping in the right direction and having three backs in the Welsh squad was fantastic for us. If Jack hadn't picked up his injury I am sure he would have been involved in the World Cup.

"It's a positive for us and a huge amount of players with Wales Under-20s over the past few years have been at the Dragons.

"Unfortunately not all of them come through but I think three or four will (to the full Wales side), particularly Elliot, Ollie, Jack. I am certain they will play for Wales."