CORY Hill intends to use lessons from the Lions to help the Dragons this season after being “in the right place, at the right time” this summer, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 25-year-old Wales lock was one of six players called up by Warren Gatland to protect his Test match squad for the challenges against New Zealand.

Hill and international teammates Kristian Dacey, Tomas Francis and Gareth Davies were unused replacements for the games against the Chiefs and Hurricanes while the Scottish pair of Finn Russell and Allan Dell enjoyed brief cameos.

However, the lock got to work at close quarters in an elite environment with Alun Wyn Jones, Maro Itoje, George Kruis, Courtney Lawes and Iain Henderson.

Hill hopes the fortnight in New Zealand helping in preparations to face the All Blacks can help both him and the Dragons prosper in 2017/18.

“It was the right place at the right time to get the call-up and the Lions is something that everyone dreams of,” said Hill, who won his sixth cap in the win against Tonga in Auckland in June.

“It was a brilliant experience, getting to work with world class players and coaches, so I just tried to take it all in.

“The Lions is the pinnacle of rugby and I had an awesome time, so hopefully I can use the experience and some of the things I learnt to help the Dragons this season.”

Gatland was accused of devaluing the Lions jersey by calling up the six because of their proximity to the tour.

Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll even claimed he hadn’t heard of Hill yet the Dragons is unfazed by such comments after playing a small part in the Lions’ series draw against the world champions.

“It is what it is and if anyone says they would do any different when the call came then they would be lying,” said Hill.

“Don’t get me wrong, I know that there were other players who had a hell of a Six Nations who could have been called up but we all knew what the crack was and just wanted to enjoy the experience.”

Full interview with Hill on new Guinness PRO14 season with the Dragons to come