CORY Hill intends to take inspiration from Lions if the Dragons skipper gets the chance to captain Wales this summer.

Warren Gatland has selected the 26-year-old lock as co-captain along with Cardiff Blues flanker Ellis Jenkins for the tour, which pits them against South Africa in Washington a week on Saturday before a double-header in Argentina.

The forward that gets the honour against the Springboks next weekend will become the 135th man to lead their country, with the other likely to follow against the Pumas.

Hill has enjoyed a remarkable rise since being a late call-up to the autumn squad in 2016 because of injuries and has played in all nine Test this season.

And he intends to learn from the experience of playing alongside some Wales icons when leading the charge with Jenkins.

"It's special playing for Wales and even more special to be co-captain with Ellis," said Hill, who was made Dragons skipper last summer.

"If we do get the chance to lead the team out it would be a special day for family and friends who have supported us along the way, it's a massive achievement.

"Since I have been involved there have been some great captains here with Sam Warburton, Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.

"They are great guys who lead by example on the pitch, so you have to do your own job as well as being a leader off it."

"We are always encouraged, no matter where you are in the squad, to voice your opinion," he continued.

"It's nice being co-captain with Ellis and being one of the leaders, you have got to get your point across and get everyone to buy into it.

"I couldn't think of a better guy to be doing this with than Ellis. He is a great leader and has been in superb form with the Blues, it was nice to see him lift the European Challenge Cup."

After Gatland welcomed the squad at a team meeting at the start of the week, Hill took to the floor and demanded that they set high standards given that time is precious ahead of the South Africa game.

"It was just a quiet few words to the boys, saying that we are in a week earlier than the Scarlets (who play the PRO14 final on Saturday) and that we need to set the tone," said the 15-times capped lock.

"We have only got six sessions before we play South Africa, so every one has got to count and we really have to put the effort in before we leave on Sunday."

Gatland has promised that every member of the party will get a chance out in the middle.

That will mean that wing Ashton Hewitt and back row forward Aaron Wainwright will follow fellow Dragons tourists Hill, hooker Elliot Dee and full-back Hallam Amos in becoming internationals.

"They will be three tough Tests but we have a nice balance in the squad and 'Gats’ has said that everyone is going on tour to be part of it, boys are not just going to hold bags.

"Everybody is buzzing, some will get their first caps and others will be fighting for their jersey."