Bearman keen for Wales Test place

Bearman says he has taken to Welsh culture in his three years at the Dragons

Dragons back-rower Joe Bearman says he would relish a potential Wales call-up for the autumn international series.

The 30-year-old has been a popular figure since his 2005 move from Cornish Pirates and he has now completed a three-year residential qualification.

BBC Sport understands that the Wales camp have contacted the Dragons to ensure Bearman's paperwork is in order.

"I thought it was the tax man," joked Bearman. "[A potential Wales cap] would be the best day of my life."

The Londoner, who moved to Cornwall before his switch to Newport, specialises at number eight or blind-side, where he would be competing with Ryan Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Andy Powell, Gareth Delve and Dafydd Jones for a Wales spot.

606: DEBATE What do you think of Bearman as a Wales candidate?

His all-action, athletic style could also potentially translate to the open-side, where national coach Warren Gatland is desperately seeking a stand-in for the injured Martyn Williams.

Thomas and Dafydd Jones are also options in that position, along with dedicated open-sides Gavin Thomas, Richie Pugh, Sam Warburton and Robin Sowden-Taylor.

"There's been no contact from the Welsh management, but the club's asked me if I've been here for three years," said the 6ft 4ins, 17-stone Bearman.

It was a big jump in standard and it didn't work out - I'm not on £100,000 a week! Joe Bearman on his trial with Everton FC

"I've just got to play well and help the team keep winning. It's Munster next, then Connacht and then we're into the Heineken Cup, and our back row is playing really well.

"But I've loved living here, my girlfriend's family is half Welsh.

"If I was ever asked to play for Wales it would be a great, great honour that I would grab with both hands.

"There's only one [current Wales squad] international at the club at the moment [Luke Charteris], but there are more up-and-comers coming through."

While Bearman may be targeting a high-intensity international before a packed Millennium Stadium, he revealed that his career could have taken a very different path.

"I had a trial for Everton [Football Club] when I was about 12 years old," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I was captain for our county, playing up front, when we went to a tournament on the Isle of Wight.

"We played against Manchester City and Manchester United in our group and I scored twice against United.

"There were a lot of scouts there so I went up [to Everton] for a week.

"But it was a big jump in standard and it didn't work out - I'm not on £100,000 a week!"