Tight-head prop Dillon Lewis is braced for his next challenge in the Nations Championship after conquering self-doubt to impress for Wales last summer.

The Dragons front-row forward has joined up with Steve Tandy’s squad for the four November Tests.

Lewis has retained his spot after grasping a chance in the summer when he started against the Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.

He now has 60 caps, but the former Cardiff and Harlequins man returned from the international wilderness with some anxiety.

“There was a lot of doubt going into it because I hadn’t been in a squad for two years,” said the 30-year-old.

“I’d had a few injuries since my last call-up, so there were a lot of question marks – are you still good enough to be at that level?

“I got thrown straight in with four starts, so hopefully they liked what they saw.”

Lewis made nine appearances for Dragons last season after suffering a torn calf in his fourth game for the club.

His form when helping Filo Tiatia’s side make the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup earned a return to Test rugby.

“It was amazing to be back there and was something that I didn’t think would happen, purely because of the length of my injury,” Lewis added.

“I had a small window to come back to play. I wasn’t sure if I had done enough but I was over the moon.”

Lewis grasped his opportunity in the summer while Tomas Francis was rested and Archie Griffin had toe surgery.

The Sale and Bath props have returned, meaning the Dragons man has a tough battle for action in the four November Tests.

“There is some good competition and both of those tight-heads have been going well over the bridge,” admitted Lewis.

Lewis won his 50th cap for Wales against France in 2023 and played in the past two World Cups.

He credits Dragons for helping him reignite his Test career to chase selection for a third tournament in Australia next year.

“It wasn’t the start to my Dragons career that I wanted, with a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but I did enjoy the environment here,” said Lewis.

“Filo and the coaches give players the freedom to express themselves within the structure of the game model.

“My recall was testament to what was being build here and an environment that allowed me to be comfortable. I am loving my rugby again.”

Wales have started preparations for their 7 November opener against Japan in Cardiff, which is followed by home Tests against New Zealand and Australia.

Tandy’s squad then play another fixture against a southern hemisphere rival at Nations Championship finals weekend at Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium.