Tom Prydie is relishing his return to the international fold after earning a recall to the Wales squad for the back-to-back internationals against Japan.
The Newport Gwent Dragons full-back or winger made history by becoming his country’s youngest full international when making his debut against Italy, aged 18, in the 2010 RBS 6 Nations.
But despite three more caps he hasn’t featured for Wales since that year. Now 21, Prydie is determined to make the most of his chance in the Far East having enjoyed a fine season for the struggling Dragons in the PRO12 after moving from Ospreys.
“The last year or so has been about playing rugby and trying to get as much game-time experience as I can on the field,” he told Wales Online.
“If I got the Wales call-up it was an added bonus. I’ve got that and I’m just happy to be playing really.
“The main focus for me was just playing well in regional rugby. You do that and national rugby will take care of itself.
“I’m more experienced than when I first came in. I’ve had a full season playing professional rugby, which is brilliant.”
Prydie made 26 appearances for the Dragons, scoring six tries and accumulating 230 points to finish second behind Leinster’s Ian Madigan in the PRO12 points charts.
“I definitely feel a lot better player than I was before,” he said. “Experience has a big part in that. There’s a long way to go yet but I’m happy with my first season at the Dragons.”
