Dean Ryan believes Dragons tighthead Leon Brown can grow and have a big impact on the international stage – after a vital contribution for Wales in the win over Scotland in the Six Nations.
Brown, 24, impressed in the win at Murrayfield after coming on after 62 minutes for a crucial scrum.
With Wales facing a five-metre scrum and under intense pressure, Brown was introduced by Wayne Pivac and produced a rock solid set piece.
It was a pivotal moment that delighted Ryan who now hopes his front row ace will earn more minutes for his country.
"When I was sat at home having a beer, I thought 'Oh, he's put him on in a scrum that the game is probably going to hinge on',” said Ryan.
"Given the amount of time Leon has had on the field recently I thought that was a big decision, but for him to come through that is great credit to him.
"I think he grew in confidence from that situation and you saw more of the Leon of mobility around the field.
“Leon's challenge is to go into international rugby and get some of those base level things right like the scrum and that would have been a huge step in giving other people that he can do more.
"That was a moment that if it hadn't had gone well it would have been really tough for him to work through. That's why I'm so pleased and hopefully it's a gateway for people trusting him more.
"Leon is an enormous man but he is a young man who continues to work,” added Ryan.
"His athletic potential is huge and he will probably continue to get bigger and move faster.
“Leon is one of the most exciting tight five forwards around at the moment because he has got so much scope to get better."
Leon is one of the most exciting tight five forwards around at the moment because he has got so much scope to get better...
