Versatile Griffiths gunning for Wales back row
OLLIE Griffiths insists he is fit and firing and believes his versatility could land him a World Cup place.
The Dragons back row man was seen as an international star of the future but has been plagued by injuries since making his Wales debut against Tonga in 2017.
Griffiths missed out on an opportunity to impress the Wales selectors as he sat out the festive derbies with a knee injury. But he insists his body is back to its best and is ready to fire for the Dragons before the end of the season.
“I’d back myself to play at international level,” said the 23-year-old. “I just want that chance to show what I can do. But I can’t fault the players who are currently in the Wales squad in the back row.
“They’re playing really well and have taken their opportunity. The likes of Aaron Wainwright have been excellent. There’s a lot of competition so I’ve got a lot of work to do.
“That’s all I can do is play well and control what I can control.”
Griffiths came through the Wales age grade system as an openside but has been deployed across the backrow at Rodney Parade.
And he believes he can use his versatility to his advantage when it comes to Wales selection. He said: “I can slot in anywhere across the back-row which I suppose is an advantage.
“A lot of player can cover a lot of positions in the back row. I’ve been playing No.8 a lot this season and played at seven at the start of the season.
“I think if you start looking too far ahead you don’t play as well. I know what I need to do to play for Wales but if I start looking six months down the line then it’s never going to happen.”