The young Dragons kickoff their 2015 campaign at Eirias Park on Saturday night in search of their first Six Nations title.
It will be no easy task against world champions England, who triumphed 67-7 at Kingston Park in last season’s tournament. But Ospreys lock Thornton is hoping to send a statement of intent with a revenge win in North Wales.
He said: “A win against England can give us the momentum to get the title because they are the team to beat. If we beat England it will put a big marker down to the other sides and the momentum will carry through.
“It’s a great opportunity to play against England, who are double world champions. They are the team everyone wants to beat. Hopefully we can go up to Eirias Park, where there will be a big atmosphere and put in a big performance and hopefully the win will follow.”
Thornton has seen his under-20 teammate Tyler Morgan secure his future in Wales by signing a National Dual Contract after impressing for the age-grade side. And Thornton says the path is now clear for more young Welsh talent to emerge and thrive at international level.
He said: “It’s great to see boys like Tyler Morgan and Hallam Amos getting opportunities at such a young age. They have the experience of training and being around the environment and have managed to get a starting place which is brilliant for them.
“Under-20s is a great experience. You’re playing a high standard of age-grade rugby and you can see the leap to the senior team is not that far away. You have to earn your senior place at regional level, but the leap to Wales isn’t that far.”
