The Dragons’ new recruit from European champions Saracens has been tipped as someone with the potential to play for Wales.
Centre Tom Griffiths was born in Gloucester, but qualifies for Wales through his father and used to go and watch the national team as a youngster.
Now the 23-year-old has linked up with the men of Gwent and is eager to make the most of his opportunity.
He arrives with a glowing endorsement from ex-Welsh international Mike Rayer, who he played under at Bedford.
“He is a real quality operator,” said the former full-back.
“He does all the simple things really well and is very effective.
“His moments on the ball are very good moments.
“He’s very strong, with a good step, and does some really good things.
“Tom is very highly thought of among coaches and players he has worked with. He’s a players’ player.
“He’s got a good attitude. He’s just a good lad, that is the main thing.
“I think it’s a great signing for him and the Dragons.
“No-one has really seen his full potential yet.
“He had a few injuries at Saracens, but if he gets a full season, then he can really take off.
“I don’t see why he couldn’t force his way into the Wales reckoning.”
Griffiths’ former Sarries team-mate Jim Hamilton has also spoken highly of the young centre.
The former Scotland lock said: “He is a proper serious player.
“He’s got great feet and is a very good ball carrier.
“He’s a natural rugby player and a big lad as well.”
The 6ft 2in, 16st Griffiths represented England at U18s and U20s level, first making his mark at Hartpury College.
He’s been with Saracens since 2015, spending two years on dual registration with Bedford and also having a loan spell at London Scottish.
He made his debut in the Gallagher Premiership last season and helped Saracens Storm win the Premiership Rugby Shield.
Now he is ready to begin a new chapter at Rodney Parade.
“It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.
“I used to go and watch Wales play when I was younger, because of my dad, and it’s always something I had an interest in.
“So when the opportunity came up, I definitely wanted to make the most of it and take it.
“I met with Ceri Jones and we had a good chat and then, when Dean Ryan was appointed, we had a good chat too.
“The sort of things he was talking about, where he wants the Dragons to get to and where he wants the club to be at, sounded really positive and really interesting.
“The potential the club has got is phenomenal, so hopefully there are good things to come and a brilliant season ahead.
“At Saracens, for the last few years, I struggled a lot with injuries at times and then also selection.
“The team they have has got a lot of talent, so opportunities were few and far between.
“It will be nice to get away from that.
“I can develop my game differently here and learn from different people and hopefully there will be good things to come.”
Director of Dragons Rugby Dean Ryan said: “Tom is a talented young centre who has spent the last four seasons working on his game in the Saracens set-up and also getting valuable game time on loan at London Scottish and Bedford.
“He is keen to now really prove himself, take on a new challenge, and is excited by the opportunity at Dragons.
“We’re excited to see how Tom develops in our environment and look forward to him linking up with the squad.”
Griffiths joins fellow new recruits Sam Davies and Jack Cosgrove at the region.
