LOCK Sean Lonsdale can force his way into the Wales fold in World Cup year by heading to the Dragons, believes his future boss Dean Ryan.

The 24-year-old will move to Rodney Parade from Exeter this summer after six seasons with the Chiefs, helping them to a pair of English titles and a European Champions Cup triumph.

Lonsdale is Welsh-qualified and went to school in Colwyn Bay before helping RGC to promotion to the Premiership.

That earned a move to Exeter but the forward is returning to try and force his way into the Wales squad, according to director of rugby Ryan.

Wales boss Wayne Pivac this week hailed the performances of leading locks Alun Wyn Jones, Adam Beard and Will Rowlands but said the challenge was to “get numbers four, five and six down the track”.

Ryan is confident that hard-working Lonsdale, who is currently on the comeback trail from a wrist injury, has the attributes to force his way into the Test conversation ahead of the 2023 World Cup.

South Wales Argus: The Dragons have signed Sean Lonsdale for next seasonThe Dragons have signed Sean Lonsdale for next season

“We are contributing more to the national 38 at the Dragons and Sean wants to be part of that,” said Ryan. “He wants to play more regularly and be in front of Wayne.

“The opportunity to play more consistently and be on the doorstep provides him with a fantastic platform. He is looking forward to taking that opportunity.”

Lonsdale has been signed primarily as a lock to go along with Wales internationals Rowlands and Ben Carter.

The Dragons are blessed with back row options but the new arrival does provide the option of bulking up the pack against hefty opposition.

“He is capable of calling the lineouts in the second row and is capable of going heavy armour as a six,” said Ryan.

“I'd hate to tag someone with versatility before I've worked with him but at the same time you look at his contribution into a Premiership winning side. He has had plenty of outings in an environment at a club that has been at the top of European rugby.

“Every player at the Dragons has to be versatile to some degree because of the resources that we have and he is somebody who can really influence the way that we approach things.

“The success that he has had in the Exeter environment will be integral in him not only showcasing his own talent but being a role model for others to learn from.”