NEWPORT Gwent Dragons flanker Jason Forster has handed coach Mike Ruddock a huge vote of thanks for his place on the Wales tour to Argentina and South Africa next month.

Forster is set to earn a Wales cap at last after years of unremitting effort, and seems sure to play in at least one of the three Tests against Argentina (2) and South Africa next month.

"It's been a hell of a long road and sometimes I felt like banging my head against the wall in sheer frustration," admitted Forster.

"But I was determined not to go away, and I'll always be there in front of the coaches' faces.

"I'm fortunate Mike Ruddock was there, he had seen me playing regularly for the Dragons and he had faith in me, he was the first coach who rewarded me."

Now that he has made the Wales tour Forster wants a Test place and his first cap and he is determined to get it.

"That is the next step. I learned a few years ago that playing good rugby did not necessarily get me there, it just didn't happen for me, but I kept on playing my normal game," he said.

"I didn't take anything for granted, but felt that someone has got to take notice.

"I may be 33 and just starting out with Wales when others are finishing. But I look after myself and there's a new buzz and confidence in me to go out there with all guns blazing.

"I won't take a backward step for anybody, I've got a bit of time to make up."

Dragons teammate Hal Luscombe is also chasing a Test spot, and stresses he has been chosen for the tour in his favourite outside centre position when he has been on the wing for the Dragons in the second half of the season.

"It's been a fantastic year, a great turnaround. I'm fortunate that I've learnt a lot over the last couple of years with some good coaches and from Percy Montgomery," said Luscombe.

"Getting chosen for the tour is the icing on the cake, now my goal is to make the Test team. I'll train hard and see what happens."

Two more Dragons players - lock Ian Gough and prop Rhys Thomas - are on standby for the tour in case there are injuries.