Tighthead Prop Leon Brown came off the bench to make his Wales debut against Australia last Saturday and former Wales international Andy Powell is backing him to start this weekend for the visit of Georgia to the Welsh capital.
Brown first burst on to the scene in Dragons colours in 2012 when he played his first match for the region's under 16s age grade side against the Ospreys. The Newport born front row found his feet and progressed through to the under 18s and then Cross Keys, playing in the Principality Premiership semi final in 2015 before breaking into the Dragons first team last year.
"This time last year I hadn't even played for the Dragons," said Brown who has made 11 regional appearances.
"It (Wales debut) was bittersweet because of the result but it's something I've always wanted to do.
"It was five really intense minutes and it was amazing. The family all came down to support me and were more nervous than I was."
Speaking on Scrum V after the game Saturday, Andy Powell spoke about how pleased he was to see Brown given his opportunity.
"I’m glad Gatland has put Leon in to give him a chance," said Powell. "He’s the future of Welsh rugby. He’s big lad, athletic and strong and for the next few years he could be key for the World Cup and moving forward.
"I’d play him against the Georgians. He’s good enough to do it, he’s a big lad who would be physical against them and that’s what we need, so I’d give him a chance."
