Rhodri Lloyd is on board for Wales’ European Championship and 2021 Rugby League World Cup qualifiers campaign.
Wales face France, Scotland and Ireland this autumn and John Kear’s full squad for the tournament will be announced on October 18.
Lloyd is the youngest ever player to be capped for Wales, making his debut against Italy back in 2010 at the age of just 17 years, two months and 14 days.
The utility player has been a regular ever since and has made 15 appearances for the Dragons to date, grabbing four tries in the process.
“I was speaking to John Kear the other week and we were saying how it’s the time we all look forward to because of how close we are as a group,” Lloyd said.
“The majority of the squad have been together for a while and it’s a really good environment to be in.
“It’s a tough and challenging evironment when you’re training and on matchdays, but it’s a quite relaxed environment off the pitch and we’re like one big family.
“All of the lads are passionate about playing for Wales, but I think one of the reasons everybody enjoys it so much is because of the enviroment John and the staff create.”
Lloyd has had a solid season in the Championship with Swinton Lions, bagging the supporters’ player of the year, players’ player of the year and coach’s player of the year awards at the club’s presentation evening.
“On a personal note, I’m really happy with how I’ve done this season, but it’s been a difficult season for us,” he said.
“It’s a club that’s close to my heart and I hope we can stay up by beating Workington at the weekend.
“I think I’ve been playing well whichever position I’ve been put in, whether that’s in the centres or back row.
“Hopefully, my form has shown I’m capable in both positions and I can play a part for Wales this autumn.”
With two places at the next World Cup up for grabs in the European Championship this autumn, the 25-year-old is eager to get going with Wales.
“We won the tournament last time out so there might actually be a bit of pressure on us,” Lloyd said.
“It’ll be good to get back out there together. It didn’t go to plan at the World Cup, but we were still a close knit group throughout.
“We need to continue to bond this year, get a win under our belts and go from there. World Cup qualification might be at the back of our minds, but we’ll only be focusing on the first game and training sessions.”
Rhodri Lloyd’s Wales stats
• Caps: 15
• Tries: 4
• Wales debut: 06/10/2010 v Italy (full international)
• Last Wales appearance: 12/11/2017 v Ireland (World Cup)
