NEWPORT Gwent Dragons flanker Jamie Ringer has been called up to train for Wales after a series of excellent performances at regional level, writes Robin Davey.
Ringer reported with the Welsh team today preparing for the Six Nations championship opener against England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Wales coach Mike Ruddock was impressed with his form for the Dragons against Munster in Cork on Saturday and has called for reinforcements because of a doubt about fellow back row forward Dafydd Jones.
The Llanelli Scarlets player was sent off against Ulster in Belfast on Friday night and is facing a ban this week, though there could also be an appeal.
"I'm really pleased, though gutted that we lost against Munster," said Ringer in Ireland on Saturday after Dragons coach Paul Turner received a text message from Ruddock.
But the Wales coach has also drafted in Cardiff Blues flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor and Saracens prop Ben Broster to train today.
Ruddock is also expecting full back and captain Gareth Thomas to be fully fit after a scare playing for Toulouse on Saturday when he injured his jaw and had to spend a night in hospital.
Ruddock also revealed today that he expects to take Wales not just through the Six Nations but into the World Cup next year and even beyond that.
"I've shaken hands with Steve Lewis on a deal some time ago," he said.
"While there's a bit of small print to be sorted behind the scenes, my mind set is that I'm there to the World Cup and beyond.
"It's not about money or any financial aspect, it;s just a bit of small print that needs working on and I don't see anything getting in the way of me being there with the Welsh team to the World Cup and beyond."
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