WING Deon Smith wants to follow the fast feet of Dragons speedster Jared Rosser next season after spending this month pitting his wits against rugby's brightest young talent.

The 19-year-old from Pontypool is one of the Dragons' eight prospects that will feature for Wales at the World Rugby U20 Championships.

Smith scored for the Rodney Parade region in their friendly victory against Russia in Bedwas but is yet to make his competitive senior debut.

The former West Monmouth Comprehensive pupil is focused on international matters at the moment but on his return from Argentina will aim to follow the lead of Abersychan's Rosser, who is set to be a key figure for new Dragons boss Dean Ryan despite still only being 21 himself.

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"I think Jared is a prime example of how you start at your local rugby club, progress through the system and then earn your right rather than coming straight in," said Smith.

"You look at the season last year, he proves what's about in our area and what he's capable of doing.

"Any sort of winger coming through the system would look at him and think that's the route you'd like to take. He's definitely someone you want to try to follow and keep on the same progression paths."

Rosser, Ashton Hewitt, Dafydd Howells and Will Talbot-Davies will be the senior options out wide next season with Smith and fellow young guns Rio Dyer and Joe Goodchild trying to put the heat on.

"I think anybody who is in that environment, you've got to push yourself to try to get as high and as far as you can," he said.

"Obviously there are already boys there who've earned the right. My main focus at the moment is next month and then hopefully if that goes well I can put my hand up."

Smith featured for Bedwas in the Principality Premiership and played in three of Wales' U20 Six Nations clashes, most notably as a replacement against England.

His powerful finish down the left when the clock was in the red earned a 11-10 success in Colwyn Bay – "I suppose it's one to keep in the memory bank to look back on!" – and he will hope to add to his tally in June.

Wales kick off their World Championship campaign against hosts Argentina on Tuesday (kick-off 5pm) before group games against champions France and Fiji.

The clash with the young Pumas will set the tone with Gareth Williams' prospects realistically needing to win to stand a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals rather than playing for places after the pool clashes.

"They'll be fairly fired up for that one, they're not going to want to disappoint in front of the home crowd," said Smith.

"I think that's something, as Welsh rugby boys, we almost live off, thrive off, it's that extra bit of pressure.

"I think it sets up the World Cup, if we get a good result there first, then we know that we're in for a good ride.

"At the same time, they're not going to want to disappoint. It's a big one to start with and definitely a big focus for us is getting that first win."

Smith is joined in the squad by fellow Dragons wing Dyer, centre Aneurin Owen, scrum-half Dafydd Buckland, prop Tom Devine, hooker Will Griffiths, lock Ed Scragg and flanker Lennon Greggains.

Caldicot's Nick English, a tighthead with Bristol Bears, is also in the 28-strong Welsh squad.