ANEURIN Owen reminds former Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts of himself – the inquisitive Dragons prospect won’t stop pestering senior players in training.

Owen has been tipped as one for the future for several seasons and the playmaker finally made his professional debut against Bordeaux-Begles in the Champions Cup in December.

The 20-year-old from Newport followed that performance up with his bow in the Guinness PRO14 on New Year’s Day when he came on in the first half at inside centre.

He produces some lovely touches, giving a glimpse of the talent that made him a regular for Wales Under-20s over the past two seasons.

Owen is now stepping up to senior rugby and is making the most of working alongside a man who won 94 Wales caps and toured South Africa and Australia with the Lions.

South Wales Argus:

“He asks a lot of questions and that is a great sign of somebody who wants to learn and wants to accelerate their development,” said Roberts.

“I love that because when I was a kid I would never leave a training session without understanding why.

“I was probably annoying as hell because I asked so many questions. He is a bit like that, he will always question stuff and is always asking me or coaches about things, trying to understand why.

“That’s a great sign, and he also has all the attributes. He distributes the ball very well and has come on leaps and bounds in the gym – we do our squats together every week!

“It’s good fun and I have really enjoyed seeing the growth in Aneurin, who will no doubt go on to big things in the game.”

Owen made his debut at the Stade Chaban-Delmas along with 20-year-old fly-half Evan Lloyd, who was playing with Cardiff Met in the Championship last season.

South Wales Argus: PROSPECT: Dragons fly-half Evan LloydPROSPECT: Dragons fly-half Evan Lloyd

“I was in a watching capacity and both Aneurin and Evan looked comfortable, that’s huge testament to them,” said Roberts, who was 20 when he made his Cardiff Blues debut in 2007 and was rested for the trip to Bordeaux.

“They have both trained extremely well, are both skilful players and both have massive futures in the game.

“For them to make their senior debuts in the Champions Cup against tough French opposition away from home and look comfortable is great for the club and great for the guys.

“They both work very hard and are very diligent. They have taken their opportunities well.”

Roberts missed the derby against the Scarlets last weekend because he was self-isolating because of a community transmission.

He is available for Saturday’s home encounter with the Ospreys which could impact Owen and Lloyd after they were on the bench in Llanelli.

Jack Dixon and Nick Tompkins were paired in midfield and director of rugby Dean Ryan may opt to put have one of his experienced backs on the bench at the expense of a prospect.