THE Dragons cannot expect their Wales hopefuls to get Test recognition unless they improve their win rate, admits boss Dean Ryan.

The director of rugby frequently lauded the performances of uncapped duo Harri Keddie and Jack Dixon plus one-capped Ollie Griffiths last season.

However, the in-form trio missed out on the Wales squad for July’s three-Test tour to South Africa.

Ryan admits that the team’s horrendous season, which featured just two wins, makes it hard to break into the international reckoning despite strong efforts.

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“It's a huge disappointment but I spoke with all three to let them know that my opinion is that they have been outstanding and great ambassadors of what we are trying to build here at the Dragons,” said the director of rugby.

“We have to create a higher platform because if we want these guys to play for Wales then our team has to be playing at a more consistent level.

“Potentially we don't paint them in the same light as others so we have to drive this team to be more competitive more often. That will drive more awareness of those who really put a stint in here.”

Four Dragons were selected in the 33-strong touring party – tighthead Leon Brown, locks Will Rowlands and Ben Carter plus flanker Taine Basham.

Brown has since pulled out through injury, joining back rowers Aaron Wainwright and Ross Moriarty on the sidelines.

Hookers Elliot Dee and Bradley Roberts, who heads to Rodney Parade this summer from Ulster, were not selected along with Keddie, Griffiths and Dixon.

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However, Ryan believes all is not lost for those that have missed out because of the gruelling schedule against the powerful Springboks.

“My experience tells me that every professional player in Wales should stay sharp because it's probably going to be the most attritional three or four weeks that a team can face,” said Ryan.

“Fingers crossed more players are not required but opportunities quite often come in disguise, so I would advise players to be ready.

“History of attritional tours shows that there are often phone calls to a Greek island to find out where a player is!

“A three-Test tour to South Africa is tough for any nation, let's not pretend it won't have a level of attrition.”

The first clash is in Pretoria on Saturday, July 2 before Tests in Bloemfontein and Cape Town the following Saturdays.