IT would be a dream come true for Newport Gwent Dragons prop Rhys Thomas to play just one minute of Wales' forthcoming tour - provided it was against South Africa in Johannesburg.

The 21-year-old, Welsh qualified through his Newport father, was born in the city and as a youngster harboured hopes of playing for the Springboks.

It was merely by chance he found his way back to Newport and it is now largely by chance he is on Wales' tour to Argentina and South Africa.

As a late squad call-up - he was two hours from flying home on holiday when it came - he isn't expecting to see much action in the three Tests, but a bench spot and just a minute's play in the final one against his home country would thrill him and his family.

"It was a huge shock to be called up so late when Iestyn Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets) was injured," explained Thomas.

"I worked hard on my game and towards the end of the season and it paid off.

"I played a few games for the Dragons, having played a number for Newport, and it went well, but I didn't expect a tour call."

Of his Newport association, he explained: "Newport Youth were on tour in South Africa a few seasons back and Steve Jones (then their coach, now Newport team manager) heard about my Welsh connection and it turned out he knew my father through their days together at Nash College.

"I was at Peter Rogers' old club, Pirates, and Steve invited me over for a trial.

"It took six months to get here, but I won a place in the Wales Under-19s side and later was a member of the Wales Under-21s' Grand Slam side it's all gone from there.

"I had dreamed of playing for South Africa, but I did also wear a Welsh jersey when I was young and now I'm in Wales to stay and want to go as far as I can.

"I aim to get fitter and work even harder. It took me a while to get to grips with the professional game.

"I hope to gain experience on tour, training with the big boys and getting used to its intensity, and then make myself number one in the Dragons team next season. That's my goal."

And of the prospect of playing against South Africa later this month, he said: "It's totally my dream. "If Mike puts me on for a minute it would be great."