DERBY days – that’s what got a record number of Newport Gwent Dragons players into the Wales squad, says coach Darren Edwards.

Warren Gatland and his fellow Wales coaches have always said they take most notice of the league derby matches and Heineken Cup ties when it comes to picking national squads.

Gatland was at Rodney Parade for the end-of-season clashes against the Ospreys and Cardiff Blues, both of which the Dragons won with terrific performances.

So it is no coincidence that a record number of their players have been included in the 26-strong squad for the Barbarians game on June 4 – Aled Brew, Lloyd Burns, Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate and Toby Faletau.

“I think it’s great and it’s a reward. Players are judged on their performances against the other regions when they have got to stand up against their fellow Welsh players,” said Edwards.

“When you look at the five who are in the squad they thoroughly deserve it, they are there on merit.

“We are trying to change the perception of us as a region to show that we have the players to challenge for international places.

“Dan was the stand out player in the Six Nations tournament, he featured right through it and I hope he continues with that development.

“Luke has worked extremely hard to get back in. It’s been a difficult season, he has come back from injury and shown he’s got the desire and ambition to be there for the World Cup.

“His captaincy and leadership in the absence of Tom Willis through injury has driven the rest of the players on. Every time a player takes the field he should have the ambition to play for his country.

“Toby has been outstanding, he’s been unlucky picking up injuries and has been one of the stand-out players in the Magners League, not just in Wales. I know it means a lot to him and he’s looking forward to playing for Wales.

“Aled is back in through sheer determination after two really good seasons and it’s testimony to his consistency that’s he’s got the league try scoring record. His impact has been amazing, he’s been working hard to get back in the side and I’d like to see him as a regular.

“Lloyd has been incredible. He started the season as a dual contract player with Cross Keys and ended it in the Wales squad. It shows his work ethic, he’s relentless and he’s got a huge future in the game with us and with Wales in my opinion.

“We have looked at the way the game is changing and it’s more about destructive ball carrying players at the breakdown and contact areas.”

But Edwards doesn’t believe national representation from the Dragons will end there and names other players he believes should be seriously considered.

“Jason Tovey is different to what Wales have at 10. I appreciate there’s a game plan at 10 with Wales, but for me Jason is great, he makes things happen, he sets high standards and if he continues to work hard he’ll get there.

“Phil Price and Hugh Gustafson have both got bright futures and when you have two loose heads of that quality challenging I am sure one of them will push through.

“And Gavin Thomas may be 33 but his influence is outstanding and there’s still more to come from him. He is my number one 7 in Wales even ahead of Sam Warburton. He’s not only destructive but he’s got real ball carrying ability.

“We are positive about the future here, we’ve had a great second half of the season and we have to give credit to the five who have made it for showing their ambition. There is more to come.”