Ellis Jenkins insists he must reach the next level in order to earn his place in the Wales team for the tests against Tonga and Samoa over the summer, ahead of the training camp in North Wales next week.
The Cardiff Blues back row was sidelined for a lengthy period of time during the 2016/17 season, following a concussion suffered in the trip to Glasgow Warriors in January.
Jenkins is aware of the ferocious competition for back row places throughout Wales, but believes his performances in training is a crucial opportunity to stake a claim in Robin McBryde’s side.
Jenkins said: “We obviously got off to a good start to the season, but then I had a couple of months off, which were a tough couple of months for me at the start of the year, but I’m relatively happy with the way I’ve got back into it and pushed for contention for a squad place with Wales.
“My goal now is to get on the pitch and challenge myself with Wales against Tonga and Samoa. I’m looking forward to joining up with the Wales squad.
“You look at the strength-in-depth in the back row throughout Wales, and outside where you’ve got Ross [Moriarty] and [Thomas] Young at Wasps as well.
“There always will be that competition. I’ve just got to get myself into camp now, impress, get myself in good shape for the tour and see how we go out there.”
Jenkins, who won his first cap against All Blacks during last summer’s tour to New Zealand, is joined in the squad by seven fellow Cardiff Blues players, including uncapped Tomos Williams and Seb Davies.
Also in the squad is Alex Cuthbert, and Jenkins was quick to praise the wing’s form for the region throughout the 2016/17 season.
“One thing we speak about a lot is work rate on the pitch and no one brings that more than him,” said Jenkins.
“If you look at GPS scores and stats after games, he’s always fast, he always runs the fastest and furthest and his work rate is second to none. He leads the charge for us.
“It’s well documented the stick he gets, which is unfair if you ask me. I can’t fault him, I think he’s been outstanding for us from start to finish. He’s a big leader for us going forward and a good example for others to follow.”