Dragons captain O’Brien still chasing Wales dream

Angus O’Brien has represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games and the Dragons stalwart has not given up hope of featuring on the Test stage.

The full-back or fly-half will look to continue his impressive season against Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship this evening (19:45 GMT).

O’Brien has been at the fore of Dragons’ strong block that has seen them win four home games on the spin to climb the URC and qualify for the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.

The 31-year-old, who played sevens for his country at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, is on the radar of the national team.

The big-kicking full-back has never been closer to a call-up but will not let that change his approach.

“I had a call from Matt Sherratt and it was good to get some feedback,” said O’Brien, who will have been encouraged by Olly Cracknell winning his first cap at the age of 31 in the autumn.

“Everybody wants to play for Wales and I am no different but ultimately my job is to do as well as I can for the Dragons.

“I try not to think about Wales took much. It’s still a goal and I would love the opportunity one day but I just focus on being the best that I can to help us continue our momentum.”

Dragons have just two players in the Wales squad – number eight Aaron Wainwright and lock Ben Carter – but their strong performances mean others are on the fringes.

Flanker or lock Ryan Woodman was invited to train with Steve Tandy’s squad at the start of the week while wing Rio Dyer, scrum-half Che Hope and hooker Brodie Coghlan were also contacted by the national coaching staff after missing out.

“The Wales coaches have been around the clubs since Steve has been in post,” said O’Brien.

They will attempt to end an encouraging run of fixtures by upsetting Ospreys in Bridgend for a first away URC win since April 2022.

O’Brien was in the Scarlets side on that occasion in Llanelli and hopes Dragons can go one step further than last week, when they were edged out 22-20 by a late Munster penalty in Cork.

“It has been a good block for us, particularly at Rodney Parade,” he said.

“We’ve put together some good performances and getting the wins has been huge for us.