Dragons centre Jack Dixon tipped as a Wales contender

The 27-year-old from Newbridge has been in fine form despite the Rodney Parade region’s struggles.

Dixon was in typically combative form against Gloucester in the European Challenge Cup last weekend when he made more carries than any other player, running for 73 metres, and put in 12 tackles.

The centre was a member of Wales’ World Cup training squad in 2015 but suffered a career-threatening kidney injury on his return to the Dragons.

He has since seen others get chances in midfield but director of rugby Dean Ryan doesn’t believe his hopes of a cap are over.

The Dragons face the Scarlets, Cardiff and Ospreys in their United Rugby Championship run-in, with derbies giving Dixon a chance to put his name in the mix.

“Jack's performances have warranted notice from outside the region, he has been fantastic,” said Ryan.

“There was a long period when we were accommodating him at 13 because of his ability to defend in that space.

STALWART: Dragons centre Jack Dixon

“With Aneurin Owen's injury he has gone back into feeling more comfortable at 12 and his performance against the Bulls was international class then on a pretty difficult platform against the Sharks he was 100 per cent in defence.

“People should look from outside the region and think whether others in a similar situation could maintain those levels of performance.”

Wales used Nick Tompkins, Josh Adams, Owen Watkin, Jonathan Davies and Uilisi Halaholo in midfield in the Six Nations.

Adams and Halaholo are currently injured while George North is on the comeback trail and the Scarlets’ Johnny Williams could earn a recall.

The Dragons man could put himself forward as a contender by finishing the season strongly and would also make a statement ahead of the arrival from Bath of Max Clark, who has been suggested as a potential international option.

Dixon, who made his 150th appearance against the Cherry and Whites, saw Jamie Roberts arrive last season and Ryan believes he developed thanks to the presence of the former Wales and Lions centre, who is now playing for the Waratahs in Australia.

Dragons centre Jack Dixon

“As a region we don't often have competition and can then see it as a nose put out of joint. I think Jack rose to the occasion and he didn’t try and change his game,” said the Dragons boss.

“He has grown and talks more, he is more assured in his game and is a calming influence on a lot of people out there.

“You can learn off everybody around, whether they have got 100 caps or somebody like Aneurin, who came in and plays very differently at 12. This is probably as well as I have seen Jack play since I have been here.”