KINGSLEY Jones believes centre Sam Beard is knocking on the door of the Wales squad after an impressive first season with Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 27-year-old arrived from Edinburgh last summer after three campaigns in Scotland and has been a firm fixture in the Dragons midfield.

The New Zealander, who qualifies for Wales through his grandfather from Monmouth, made 25 appearances with 18 of those starts.

Head coach Jones is thrilled by the exploits of the former centre with the Crusader Knights, the Christchurch Super Rugby franchise's development squad.

"Sam has really brought something too us and really came on through the season and has a leadership role in the team," said the boss. "It took a little while to get to know each other and understand each other.

"He is a miserable man! A typical New Zealander, and that's what we needed – he is direct, straight-forward and honest. The boys like that, he is a good character who has fitted into the group well."

Beard battled Wales centre Tyler Morgan, Adam Warren and Jack Dixon for starts in midfield last season and in the summer the quartet will be joined by Gavin Henson.

However, in recent times the former Wales and Lions back has been used primarily as a fly-half by Bristol.

If Henson wears 10 at the Dragons then that would allow Beard to play inside centre, a position Jones feels is his best and one that enables him to give Wales food for thought.

"I think that 12 is his best position if you want a second five-eighth player with a good passing game and good kicking game," said the head coach.

"Sam has been excellent for us and I think that he is on the Wales radar because he gives something different."

Beard does, however, have plenty of competition.

Jonathan Davies has been selected for the Lions tour this summer while interim Wales coach Robin McBryde plumped for Jamie Roberts, Scott Williams, Morgan and Cory Allen as midfield options with promising Osprey Owen Watkin aiming to return from a serious knee injury next season.