'I needed a new environment... you get to learn a lot off them'

Dillon Lewis says he never gave up on playing for Wales as he prepares to end a spell of over two years in the international wilderness.

The 57-cap tighthead prop helped Wales win the Six Nations title in 2019 and played at two World Cups.

But the 30-year-old – whose last appearance came against Italy in March 2024 – has been recalled to Steve Tandy’s squad for Wales’ summer programme.

“Two years and it’s been riddled with a few injuries as well which hasn’t helped my case, but it was never something I gave up on,” said Lewis, the former Cardiff strongman who signed for Dragons last summer after a two-year spell in England with Harlequins.

“Coming home to Wales was a big driving factor in that. Just trying to be in the shop window as much as possible and luckily I picked up some form towards the end of the season.

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“But it’s never something I closed the door on, and it’s always something I aspired to get back into.”

Lewis left Wales in 2023 with the domestic professional game in turmoil amid budget cuts and squad tightening.

He said: “The landscape of Welsh rugby the year I left was quite a difficult one because the regions had to cut their budgets, and if you were out of contract you were quite unfortunate really.

“I was out of contract, but it was time where probably I needed a change. I needed a new environment, a new challenge, and fortunately the Quins gave me that.

“The set-piece was different in England to where it was in the URC (United Rugby Championship) and the mindset of how we approached every game.

“It was invaluable experience going up there. I loved working under Adam (Jones) and Danny (Wilson) and getting to work closely with Joe Marler and Will Collier. You get to learn a lot off them.”

Lewis returns to the Wales fold ahead of Saturday’s non-cap match against the Barbarians at Allianz Stadium.

After the weekend trip to London, Wales will seek to build on March’s victory over Italy – their first in the Six Nations for three years – against Fiji, Argentina and South Africa in the opening phase of the inaugural Nations Championship.

“It’s been amazing to come in and work with Steve,” said Lewis. “The boys would come back to club and speak so highly of the environment and how much they enjoyed it.

“It spurs you on to try and get back up here. Everything’s a bit different, new outlook on the game, and culture methods and study.

“The way the team finished the Six Nations was brilliant to watch – and something I was desperate to be a part of.”