DEFENCE coach Richard Hodges believes Wales Under-20s could build a pack around Newport Gwent Dragons prospect Max Williams next year thanks to his early call-up for the Six Nations, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 18-year-old lock, who can also play in the back row, started in the win in Italy in the Championship opener and came off the bench in last week’s success in Scotland.

The athletic Dragons prospect has been catching the eye in club rugby and made such an impression with Pontypool in the Championship that he was promoted to play with Ebbw Vale in the Premiership.

Williams has also been fast-tracked with Wales and is targeting a place in the squad for the summer World Rugby U20 Championship in Georgia.

“There were some work-ons for Max after the Italy game but you have to bear in mind that he is a year young,” said Hodges.

“That year makes a big difference but Max is seeing it and smelling it a year young and I was very impressed with him off the bench (in Scotland) and told him so in the team review.

“There was a lot of energy and big collisions from him and he is knocking on the door. If Max can get himself into the squad for the World Cup this year then it will be a huge achievement bearing in mind that next year he should be someone we can look to build a squad around.”

Williams’ Dragons teammate Chris Coleman is another player who will still be eligible in 2018 and the 18-year-old tighthead is pushing for a first start after three appearances off the bench.

“I don’t think we have seen anyone in our age group hit harder than Chris can. It’s just getting that consistency,” said Hodges.

“Kieron Assiratti had the shirt for the games at tighthead but Chris is knocking quite hard now. We need to give these boys opportunities and you will see that in the coming games.

“The bigger picture is the World Cup and giving opportunities to players so that it makes our selection when trimming down the squad as difficult as possible.”