Dillon Lewis has been recalled to the Wales squad after more than two years, and the 30-year-old tighthead prop could prove indispensable this summer. With Tomas Francis rested and Archie Griffin sidelined after elective surgery, Wales are short of experienced options in the position. Lewis, who has 57 caps, joins uncapped Ospreys prop Ben Warren and Cardiff's Sam Wainwright (four caps) as the specialist tightheads.
Lewis's journey back to Wales
Lewis last played for Wales in 2024, but a move to Harlequins in 2023 and subsequent return to the Dragons helped revive his career. Working under Wales great Adam Jones at Quins improved his scrummaging. "It has been 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," Lewis said. "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 picked up some form towards the end of the season."
Valuable experience for young squad
Lewis's experience will be vital as Wales face the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina, and South Africa in the Nations Cup. "I've started a Test in Argentina and started a Test in South Africa, like these things are not strange to me," he added. "The likes of Ben and Sam, yes they are inexperienced but they’re incredible players and they warranted a call-up."
Improvement through English rugby
Lewis credits his time at Harlequins for making him a more mature and rounded player. "The set-piece was different up in England to where it was in URC and the mindset of how we sort of approached every game, it was invaluable experience," he said. "I loved working under Adam and obviously the likes of Danny (Wilson) and getting to work closely with the likes of Joe Marler and Will Collier, you get to learn a lot off them."
Eager to make up for lost time
After a frustrating run of injuries, Lewis is hungry to contribute. "I’m a lot more mature in my rugby," he said. "Going away doesn’t just develop your rugby, but you also grow up a lot as well. Hopefully, I’m a more mature and more rounded player – and definitely still hungry." He praised the new coaching staff under Steve Tandy: "The way the team finished the Six Nations was brilliant to watch. You could see a definite change and it was exciting – and something I was desperate to be a part of."
