Tell us about your rugby background
I started a bit later than most of the boys. I played football until I was 15 and then started rugby at Newbridge Comprehensive and joined Crumlin rugby club youth.

How did you end up at the Dragons?
I had a season at Crumlin, then went to Newport. I was asked to join the Dragons after a couple of games with Cross Keys College.

Have you played different positions?
In school I played a bit of centre and full-back but then I moved to the back row. I like openside best.

Who had a big influence on you?
Darren Bool, who was the teacher who got me started, then the Crumlin coaches and Paul Young at Cross Keys College, where I did an NVQ.

What’s it like playing for the Dragons?
It was nice to have a couple of games off the bench last season. It’s a great experience and builds your confidence. I try to pick up bits and pieces from players like Toby Faletau and Nic Cudd.

How was it playing for Wales U20?
We beat England during the Six Nations and progressed a lot through the tournament, and I also played in my first U20 World Cup.

What are your aims for the new season?
Fingers crossed, I would like to be involved week in, week out at the Dragons, preferably starting but otherwise on the bench. But I have got to bide my time, with Cudd and James Benjamin to compete with.

RW Verdict: Griffiths started all five of Wales’ games at the (2015) U20 World Cup, where they finished sixth. He has made great strides since rugby’s physicality and fun lured him away from football in his mid-teens.

First published in the September 2015 edition of Rugby World magazine