HAL Luscombe could be forgiven for thinking his future was in some doubt when he suffered a badly damaged knee two months from the end of last season.

The 22-year-old South African born Newport centre or wing was facing a bleak immediate future needing a screw put in the knee and out for the rest of the season.

It could not have come at a worse time, for regional contracts were up for grabs and a whole host of players facing uncertainty.

But things have worked out for Luscombe in a way he could hardly have imagined.

For despite going down with the injury, he not only secured a regional contract with the Gwent Dragons, but he has also been a part of Wales' World Cup training squad.

And he has achieved that despite still being unable to play because he is not match fit yet after the knee problem.

"It was very frustrating, I was injured and I couldn't do anything about it," admitted Luscombe.

"But I'm very fortunate the powers that be believed in me, and I can't wait to prove them right.

"I've actually been involved with Wales for a year-and-a-half now, but it wasn't a great season for me with Newport, it didn't go as planned.

"But I was fortunate to get a Gwent contract, and I feel for those who didn't. I'm very happy, I see my future here for Gwent and for Wales."

Luscombe is now qualifying for Wales on residence after being here for three-and-a-half years, and he has Tony Brown to thank for that.

He was due to come to Wales from Cape Town under former Wales coach Graham Henry's plan for five Southern Hemisphere youngsters to qualify for Wales on residency grounds. But the plan backfired and Henry had to withdraw it which left Luscombe in limbo.

"Tony Brown went out on a limb, brought me over and put me in his Bisley factory, and I eventually got a contract," he recalled.

"It was a step into the unknown, but seriously hard work in a factory made me a lot more hungry and determined to make a career out of rugby.

"I owe so much to Tony Brown for believing in me."

Now Luscombe moves on to Gwent for whom he hopes to eventually settle as an outside centre.

"I can't wait to start training with them," he said. "I need a couple of games, and then I hope to step out for Wales."