DRAGONS lock Nick Thomas is on course to return for Wales in the World Rugby U20 Championship – and has then been tipped to push on after learning to use his bulk.
The 19-year-old is on the comeback trail after needing an operation on his left ankle following an injury against France in February.
The lock missed the rest of the Six Nations but is set to bolster the Welsh pack in Italy this summer.
“Nick is out of his boot and training hard. He is on track to be ready for training camp in May and he will be in the mix for selection,” said Wales head coach Richard Whiffin.
Thomas played in the tournament in South Africa last summer and will return from the 2025 edition with the aim of earning more Dragons action.
The Rodney Parade club’s injury crisis at lock led to the teenager making his debut at Newcastle in the Challenge Cup.
Thomas, who is 6ft 5ins, impressed and earned outings in the festive derbies against Cardiff and the Scarlets.
“He really developed from last year to this year,” said Whiffin. “His pre-Christmas performances for Newport RFC and when he had those opportunities with the Dragons showed his maturity in terms of physicality.
“Nick was strong around the breakdown, was moving bodies and using his shoulders, whereas previously he was a lot more 'handsy'.
“He has realised that he is a big man and that he can use that body weight more effectively while he is also a real lineout tactician, which normally takes a bit of time to come.
“Nick has good feel for the lineout and there are also some really good people for him to learn from; I worked with Steve Cummins when I was at the Scarlets and he is a real lineout naus.
“He can mentor him with some of the challenges while [forwards coach] Sam Hobbs has worked with him for a number of years and they have a good relationship.”
The Dragons have been hit hard by injuries to Ben Carter, Matthew Screech and Cummins this season and will be adding to their options for next season.
They have agreed a deal with Cardiff’s Seb Davies and are also looking at the market for an overseas recruit.
With Ryan Woodman and Shane Lewis-Hughes also able to move forward from blindside flanker when needed, that should allow head coach Filo Tiatia to drip-feed Thomas opportunities.
“I think that he will be a locked-in Newport starter but also able to go up to the Dragons,” said Whiffin, who successfully predicted a breakthrough season for full-back Huw Anderson.
“He will get good minutes in the SRC and then some game time for the Dragons, who see huge potential in him.”
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