by Williams reflected on his last international experience and believes he has matured as a player in recent years.
“It was a special day coming off the bench and the guys did really well,” Williams said.
“I managed to score at the end of a shot. These are great memories and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I can push for another chance.”
“There has been a lot of rugby played since then, with a lot more experience. I feel like I’m in a good place.”
Williams, who began his professional career with Scarlets, was named alongside Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams and Cardiff number nine Ellis Bevan.
He will have benefited from Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies’ decision to retire from international rugby and was chosen over younger Ospreys duo Reuben Morgan-Williams and Kieran Hardy.
Williams is one of four Dragons players in the squad alongside Aaron Wainwright, Ben Carter and Rio Dyer.
“We are over the moon for Rhodri,” said Flanagan.
“He is an international freshman and has worked hard, been patient and diligent in his preparation and performance.”
“It has always been his aim to get back into the Wales squad and it is our job to give the players the best possible chance of getting in.”
Flanagan believes the selection is a reward for Williams’ consistent form since joining the side from Bristol.
“He hit again and again and was excellent. He’s been one of our best players for a few years,” Flanagan said.
“He came to the Dragons with the ambition to play a lot of rugby and he had competition, be it Gonzalo Bertranou or Dane Blacker.”
