KINGSLEY Jones believes Ollie Griffiths' sensational Judgement Day performance showed the wider public what has long been known at Newport Gwent Dragons – that the flanker is a Wales player in waiting.

The 22-year-old from Newbridge was named as man of the match at Principality Stadium despite being on the losing side in the 21-16 Guinness PRO12 defeat to the Scarlets.

Griffiths, primarily an openside but comfortable at blindside, has been the Dragons' standout performer throughout a disappointing season and showed his form in front of a bumper crowd in the capital when making 16 carries, 15 tackles and being a breakdown menace.

Head coach Jones has frequently pressed for his protégée to be taken on Wales' summer tour to face Samoa and Tonga and believes Griffiths' list of admirers will only be growing thanks to Judgement Day.

"We've talked about Ollie for two or three years and people saw it on a big occasion," said Jones, himself a former Wales flanker.

"There are a lot of good number 7s – Ellis Jenkins, James Davies and others – but he has got something special. He has leadership qualities and is very mature for a kid of 22.

"I think he is the complete openside flanker but there is a lot of competition and needs to perform at that level consistently.

"And the thing that will help him get into the Welsh squad, and this is what I've talked about for two years with this group, is the team being successful.

"When this team is higher in the league there will be a lot more players going on planes with the national teams. We need to be more consistent and get wins."

Wales are blessed for openside options with Ellis Jenkins also winning the man of the match honours at Judgement Day after starring for Cardiff Blues against the Ospreys.

Thomas Young was included in the Six Nations squad thanks to a stellar season with Wasps but Jones hopes Griffiths will at least be a tourist with Robin McBryde's squad.

"Justin Tipuric and Sam Warburton I think will go with the Lions so there is an opportunity for him," said the Dragons boss.

"Let's see how the run-in to the season goes but I'd like to think that they'd have a look at him. Maybe this is a chance to have a look at him with Ellis or James."