GWENT Dragons prop Rod Snow has jetted off to join Canada's World Cup squad with a ringing endorsement from regional coach Mike Ruddock.

Snow is initially joining up with Canada for two games against the New Zealand Maoris in July and August.

Canada are in Wales' World Cup group along with New Zealand, Italy and Tonga - and one of those sides can of causing an upset.

But Canada recently suffered their first loss in three years to the USA Eagles and have work to do.

Snow and Stade Francais lock Mike James return to the squad after that defeat, while veteran prop Pat Dunkley is also back in the fold after injury.

"Rod is a top pro and before leaving Dragons training looked in terrific shape," said Ruddock.

"He works hard on his fitness and can play a big part for Canada. Before he left we did a scrummaging work-shop where we worked on how we were going to set our scrum up for next season and he was very impressive.

"We'll miss him at the start of the season but we are looking forward to him being an important part of the regional set-up."

Second row Ian Gough has been unable to train with the Dragons this week because of a minor knee ligament problem but has been an observer.

But flanker Jason Forster, hit by a stomach bug last week, has returned to train strongly.

Youngsters Nathan Brew, Luke Charteris, Rhys Thomas and Keiron Crawford don't return to the squad until July 16 after World Under-21s Cup duty.

Another promising youngster, flanker Rhys Williams, has recovered from a shoulder operation and should be back in full time training in August.

Meanwhile Ben Breeze, who signed for the regional set-up this week, came back looking "really fit" and was the fastest in sprint tests on Monday.

Ruddock is delighted with the signing of Breeze and Rhodri Jones, the scrum half who joined from Swansea. "Rhodri is an excellent player," said Ruddock.

"He is a good athlete, very fit with a swift pass and has been playing some of the best rugby of his career lately."