Ellis Jenkins is in line to make his Wales debut during the first week of the summer tour of New Zealand.
The Cardiff Blues ace was a late call-up for the tour of the Land of the Long White Cloud following injury to Dan Lydiate but it was just reward for an impressive season.
Jenkins made 21 appearances for Wales’ Capital Region and scooped the Players’ Player of the Year award.
And speaking from New Zealand, Wales head coach Warren Gatland has praised the 23-year-old and revealed he is set to play a part either in the first Test against the All Blacks or the mid-week clash with the Chiefs.
Gatland said: “He is a real intelligent rugby player and had a very good season.
“So it’s nice for him to have the opportunity to come out here and hopefully gain some experience and maybe get some game time, too.
“If he’s not involved in that first game, then hopefully he will get a chance at Hamilton against the Chiefs.”
Jenkins has enjoyed an illustrious international career at age-grade level, captaining both Wales Under-18s and 20s.