SCRUM-HALF Rhodri Williams is eyeing a return to the Wales squad after signing for the Dragons.

The 24-year-old has agreed terms to head to Rodney Parade from Bristol next season but reports that his Welsh teammates Ryan Bevington and Jordan Williams, a prop and utility back, have also put pen to paper are premature.

Rhodri Williams is motivated by securing a return to Warren Gatland’s national squad to add to the caps he won against Tonga, Australia and Scotland in 2013/14.

He left the Scarlets for Bristol in 2016 but the new international selection policy means that Williams must play in Wales if he is to stand a chance of being in the Test squad in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, a new rule that Toulon-bound scrum-half Rhys Webb will fall victim of.

“I’m delighted to be coming home to Wales to sign for the Dragons,” said Williams, who believes he has improved as a player thanks to the short spell over the border.

“The vision set out by the Dragons board and Bernard excites me and I look forward to playing my part in the future of the region.

“I make no secret of the fact that I have a burning ambition to represent my country again but I also know that I’ll need to work incredibly hard at regional level to get there.”

He continued: “It has been a difficult decision to leave Bristol Rugby, but it’s been massive for me to have the support of [head coach] Pat Lam and the club throughout the process.

“My time at Bristol has been really enjoyable and it’s a tight-knit group of players who are all working towards the same goal. Obviously, I have international ambitions with Wales and I’m eager to fulfil them.

“For the remainder of the season however, I’m absolutely committed to Bristol and helping the team achieve promotion.”

Dragons head coach Bernard Jackman revealed at the weekend that he is targeting 12 new recruits for next season and is pleased to have started with Williams.

“I am delighted to get a player of Rhodri’s quality to commit to the Dragons. He is really ambitious and committed to working hard and to reaching his goals,” said the Irishman.

“I feel that he will be an influential figure for us both on and off the field.”

Williams’ current coach Lam believes Williams has the quality to secure a return to the Wales squad.

“We’re really pleased for Rhodri and he leaves with our blessing. When I first saw him play while coaching Connacht, I knew what an outstanding young talent he was,” said Lam, who led the Irish province to the PRO12 title in 2016.

“There’s a fire burning inside Rhodri to represent his country again. We believe he’s good enough to play for Wales and nothing will make me prouder than to see him pull on the red jersey once again.

“Rhodri has been in great form for us so far and he’s focused on working hard and helping us achieve our ambitions this season.”

Williams has been in fine form this season, scoring seven tries for the Championship pacesetters.

The Dragons are mulling over moves for 28-year-old prop Bevington, who won the last of his 13 caps against Italy in the 2014 Six Nations, and livewire 24-year-old speedster Williams, a dangerous broken field runner who has lately been playing full-back.