After getting a call-up by Steve Tandy this Spring to Wales’ wider competition squad, the uncapped Dragon has his sights firmly set on breaking into the international setup.
The 22-year-old utility forward was initially invited into the training camp before this year’s Six Nations.
However, after an injury to Taine Plumtree, Ryan Woodman was called in to the wider squad.
He wasn’t named in either of the 23s in the final two rounds, but he has already said how impactful being in the environment has been for him.
“It was a really good experience and loads of fun,” Woodman said. “I learnt a lot and have seen where I need to be to get to that level in the future.
“I’ve been given work-ons but the main message is to keep doing what I have been doing and hopefully I can progress to get there.”
From Fan to Future Welsh Forward
Woodman joined fellow Dragons forwards Aaron Wainwright and Ben Carter, who themselves had impactful campaigns during the Spring.
“The intensity of it is something that I had never experienced,” said the former Wales Under-20s captain.
“Professional rugby is intense but training with Wales is another level. Hopefully I can train like that with the Dragons.”
Woodman will be targeting another Wales call-up this summer, with fixtures against the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina, and world champions, South Africa, all on the horizon.
Dragons Building Woodman’s Mettle
Behind the scenes, Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has already sat down with the young forward to map out exactly what needs sharpening.
Tiatia has worked through the feedback from Wales’ set-up and turned it into a clear plan.
Since breaking through against Pau in December 2022, Woodman has made a name for himself in regional rugby.
He racked up 18 appearances last season and has featured in 13 of the side’s 16 matches.
At 6ft 5in, he already had the frame. Now he’s added the bulk to match, with Wales listing him at 18 stone.
But he hasn’t sacrificed his mobility to get there.
He still moves like a modern forward, covers ground, and gets through work without looking like he’s running in quicksand.
Tiatia has even backed him as a future captain — a reflection of how highly he’s rated within the group.
If Woodman keeps trending like this, that prediction might come around sooner than anyone expects.
“My main goal for the season was to be more of a physical presence, I want to be a big six” he said. “I definitely still have improvements to make but I am going in the right direction.”
