WELSH rugby's surprise package -- that could be Rhys Oakley, the number eight signed by Gwent Dragons.

Despite the Welsh christian name he has never lived in Wales and is set to play here for the first time in his career.

The 22-year-old was born in Plymouth and played all his rugby for Bristol, breaking into their Zurich Premiership side last season.

He has bought a house there after he and his partner had a baby boy two months ago. Yet he considers himself fully Welsh because his parents and grandparents are from Cardiff.

"My blood is Welsh and I've always considered myself Welsh," said Oakley, who is 6ft 4in and 16st 9lb.

Wales coach Steve Hansen wasted no time in calling him into the squad preparing for the World Cup before he has even played a game for a Welsh team.

"It was a massive shock," admitted Oakley.

"I had been playing well for Bristol and word got out, so Steve watched me in a couple of games.

"I had offers from clubs in England, but I always wanted to play in Wales for personal and family reasons.

"Now I want to do well for Gwent and get a good run in the Welsh team. I'm desperate to get some caps and play in the World Cup.

"The August games are really big, everyone wants to prove his worth."

Oakley has played against England back row aces Lawrence Dallaglio and Richard Hill who he describes as 'incredible' players, but he believes his all-round game is strong whether in scrum, line-out or ball carrying.

Gwent Dragons coach Mike Ruddock clearly rates Oakley. "He's played in the Zurich Premiership against a lot of big names and more than held his own," he said.

"He's a big lad with very good ball skills and I'm sure he'll do well. I'm expecting big things from him."

Oakley also gives Gwent Dragons the thumbs up.

"The facilities at Cwmbran are fantastic, I love the stadium, everything you need is in one place," he said.

"And Rodney Parade is a super stadium, I love the way the crowd is close to the pitch. I'm looking forward to playing there."

Despite Gwent Dragons being in the toughest Heineken Cup group alongside Leicester, Stade Francais and Ulster Oakley is relishing the prospect of playing against them, having made his debut in the competition last season for Bristol.

That was against Montferrand - and Oakley promptly earned the man-of-the-match award.

"It's a hard group which is good, just what you want, to play against the best," said Oakley.

"I think Gwent will do very well, it's a strong young squad who will be very enthusiastic. "There's also a very good coaching set-up with Clive Griffiths and Mike Ruddock."

Gwent and Welsh rugby could well have a winner in Oakley.