URC: Dragons striker Ryan Woodman is hungry for Wales action after first call-up

Woodman made his Dragons debut against Pau in December 2022 and has developed into a leading figure.

After making 18 appearances last season, the 6ft 5in striker will start 13 of 16 games in the 2025-26 campaign.

Woodman – tipped to be a future Dragons captain by Titia – remains mobile but has made weight with Wales listing him as 18th.

“My main goal for this season was to be more of a physical presence,” he said. “I want to be one of the top six.” “I definitely still have to make improvements but I’m moving in the right direction.”

That progress will be tested over the next three weekends as the Dragons take on the Stormers on Sunday (13:00 GMT), followed by the Lions in Johannesburg and the Stade Française in Paris.

“It is always difficult to play against South African teams, especially away from home,” Woodman said. “The Stormers have a fair number of Springboks in their squad and it will be a good physical test.”

The Dragons have never beaten a South African team in the URC, with their last success coming in 2020 against the Cheetahs in the Pro14 before the Stormers, Lions, Sharks and Bulls joined the tournament.