Wales

Dragons star Jason Tovey's emergence as a top-quality flyhalf last season has seen him being talked about as a future Wales playmaker, but the youngster is no rush for international colours and is focussing his attention on domestic success.

The 21 year-old only made the switch from fullback to the No.10 jersey mid-way through the Dragons' Magners League campaign last year, but the move paid handsome dividends as the Rodney Parade outfit enjoyed an impressive season.

Despite this being the former Dragons academy player's first full season at regional level, he is expected to start as the first-choice pivot for the region.

Tovey, though, expects some stiff competition form Matthew Jones, a former Ospreys and Worcester Warriors flyhalf

"There are a few new boys in the squad and there's a lot of competition at 10," Tovey told the Western Mail.

"Obviously Matthew Jones and Lewis Robling have been brought in and there’s also Steffan Jones, who has come through the ranks.

"That will be good for the team but also for me.

"Competition is always good and when you have someone fighting with you for your position it brings out the best in you."

His performances last term have raised the eyebrows of Wales selectors and he is set to fight it with Dan Biggar for the Welsh No.10 jersey in the next few years.

He outshone Biggar, who is earmarked as the next in line for international playmaking duties, when the Dragons beat eventual Celtic champions, the Ospreys, in a memorable performance last season.

Tovey, however, has still to make his Wales debut and he is not expecting much until after the World Cup next year.

"I was disappointed not to get selected for the mid-year tour [to New Zealand], but I only moved to flyhalf after Christmas," said Tovey.

"I see my future at 10 and with the Dragons I now do all my training there.

"Realistically I think after the World Cup I will start pushing for a place in the Welsh squad. Playing for Wales is a goal but right now I want to focus on the Dragons.

"I enjoyed it last season but I do like to keep my head down and do my talking on the pitch.

"It is nice to be highly thought of by a Lion and Welsh legend like Phil Bennett and hopefully I can carry on playing well."

Right now though, Tovey has his sights on more immedaite goals in domestic action, and he is expecting the Dragons to go form strength to strength.

"What's important for us is that we improve in the Heineken Cup and make sure we win all our home games," said Tovey.

"If we can get out of our group in Europe then it is anyone's game. In the Magners I think we just need to pick up a few more wins on the road in order to push for the play-offs.

"Injuries hit us hard towards the end of last season and it hurt us. We lost some massive players, like Joe Bearman and Dan Lydiate.

"We struggled to deal with the injuries last year and had to bring in boys from the Premiership who hadn't really trained with us.

"We have a much bigger squad this year, with these boys training full time so that will make a big difference."