AFTER four years of education at Cardiff University Ross Wardle was more than happy to sign up for at least three more seasons of learning at Newport Gwent Dragons.

The 22-year-old centre, who made his regional debut in November 2012, has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at Rodney Parade until 2017.

Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones has tipped him to win a Wales cap by the time his new contract expires.

Wardle remains coy, saying there is plenty more improvement needed to take that step.

However, when he lines up against Glasgow on Friday his regional teammate Hallam Amos will be making his Test debut, evidence that caps are within reach for promising Dragons talent.

"It's great to see Hallam get a chance and it shows that if you play well then you will get a chance, just like Andrew Coombs last year," said Wardle.

"It goes to show that you are not a million miles away, if you can improve little bits of your game here and there then you could get an opportunity.

"But I don't want to get ahead of myself and I have got a hell of a lot to learn; that's why I signed a long-term contract to give me time to work with Lyn and Darren (Edwards, head coach) to become a better player.

"I've got a lot of things that I want to improve on, when I do that maybe I will have more of a chance (of a Wales call-up).

"I am trying my best to get better every day, doing extras on the training pitch. I don't think that anyone will work harder than me to try and get there."

And Wardle isn't your average rugby player once he is done on the training paddock; rather than racing to Nando's he hot foots it to a pharmacy in Cathays, Cardiff.

There he puts to use the degree that saw him combine study with Premiership rugby at Bedwas where his efforts caught the eye of the Dragons.

"It helps me switch off from rugby and clears the head," said Wardle, who does 18 hours a week behind the counter.

"It's nice to have something else outside of rugby so that I'm not too stressed about contracts or whatever. I know I've got another life outside of rugby and I realise it's not the be all and end all."

And a few Ibuprofen might be needed for the trip back to Wales after tomorrow's clash with RaboDirect Pro12 title hopefuls Glasgow.

"They are one of the best teams in the league," said the centre. "They defend well and close down your attacks quickly while their forwards will carry and carry.

"It's going to be a brutal game, we don't fear anyone but we know that we will need to be on our game.

"I've had two weeks off (for the LV= Cup) and can't wait to get back out on the pitch."