Rhodri Williams says that he couldn’t resist rolling the dice as he bids to resurrect his Wales career.
The 25-year-old scrum-half, who has been capped three times by his country, has gambled by opting to bring a successful two-year spell at Bristol to an end and join Dragons for the 2018-19 season in a bid to force his way back into the international fold.
A move to Newport means Williams, who earned his last cap in Wales’ win over Scotland in the 2014 Championship, will be eligible for selection amidst the Welsh Rugby Union’s policy of not calling up players plying their trade outside of the country with less than 60 caps.
Now Williams is hoping to cash in.
“My ambition – the same as everyone in Wales – is to play for Wales and obviously, that wasn’t possible being over the bridge,” said the former Scarlets man, who helped Bristol win promotion to the English Premiership last term.
“I hope the selectors will be pleased I have come back and, if I start playing well, hopefully they will be even more pleased.
“I am ambitious and I want to push on for a Welsh spot.
“It doesn’t mean it’s going to happen but I looked at it as in 10-20 years’ time, I would never want to regret the decision of staying there [in England].
“It might not work but at least there’s no regret of I haven’t tried it.
“Every proud young Welsh player wants to play for Wales.
In May, Williams reacquainted himself with international competition when he featured for the Barbarians in their thrilling 63-45 win over England at Twickenham.
However, he is more than aware of the hard work that lies ahead if he is to compete for Warren Gatland’s favour alongside the likes of Gareth Davies, Aled Davies and Tomos Williams.
Williams said: “It’s a World Cup year but if I’m not playing for the Dragons, I will be watching from the stands, so I have got to put the work in to try and get my things sorted here first.
“The ambition is there but I’ve got to become first-choice here before pushing for anything higher.”
