Back row Pretorius completed the three years required to gain residency in December and is therefore eligible for Six Nations selection.

And while the 27-year-old Blues skipper insists his focus remains on leading the Cardiff outfit for now he’s adamant he’d love to be part of the Welsh squad sooner rather than later.

“When I came over to the Blues form Gloucester three years ago I said I've got ambitions to play for Wales and that hasn't changed,” Pretorius said.

“But I also knew I had to perform well for the Blues to be even able to get anywhere. My main focus is playing well for the Blues.

“I did become eligible on 1 December, but nothing's changed for me really.

“I've got one job to do and that's for the Blues and that's what my focus is on.

“Every player wants to play at the highest level but you've got perform well in the blue to get into the red.”