GWENT coach Mike Ruddock is delighted but not surprised at Wales coach Steve Hansen's decision to include four Dragons players in his squad to face Ireland next Saturday.
Two of the four, Rhys Oakley and Michael Owen, are in the starting 15 while Andy Marinos and Nathan Brew are on the bench for the World Cup warm-up match at Lansdowne Road.
"I'm absolutely delighted for the four players involved and it is a great boost for the Gwent Dragons," said Ruddock.
"But I'm not overly surprised about their inclusion. A few people have raised their eyebrows at our signings but I know what quality players they are and Steve Hansen can obviously see their potential."
Ex-Bristol Shogun Oakley will be winning his first cap while Brew would also make his first start if called on during the game.
"All four of the players deserve their chance but it's obviously nice for Nathan and Rhys to be included for the first time," said Ruddock.
"For such a young player Rhys is very experienced and he won't be daunted by international rugby. He won't be out of his depth and will show everyone what a class act he is.
"And Nathan also won't be daunted. He put in some superb performance in the under-21 World Cup and we all feel he is capable of making the step up.
"But for Andy and Michael it will also be special as well. Andy has had a nightmare last 12 months through various injuries, as has Michael, but they've both come through them and they've now got a chance to establish themselves as international players.
"We signed Michael because we knew he had great potential and if he maximises that he can be a Wales player for the next eight years.
"Having Andy back in the Wales squad is also a huge boost for us, he's our captain and we know what he is capable of and he'll relish his return."
Dragons outside-centre Brew admitted his total surprise at being included in the squad, but is keeping his feet firmly on the floor.
"I'm realistic and am not getting carried away," admitted Brew.
"It's is obviously very flattering to be named in the squad but I know that I'm only in because there are so many injuries to players in my position.
"They expect to be back before the World Cup so I'm not really getting carried away.
"Just to be included in this squad is a huge honour and I'm taking it one day at a time. I'm obviously a bit nervous but I had a meeting with Steve Hansen and Alan Phillips on Thursday and they gave me some great advice which I really appreciated."
Brew feels it was his impressive performances for the national under-21 side that convinced Hansen to included him in the senior Wales squad.
"The Gwent backs coach, Clive Griffths, told me how impressed the Welsh management were with the way I played," said Brew.
"And apparently Steve had seen some tapes as well, so I think that definitely played a big part."
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