DRAGONS hooker Elliot Dee has been released from Wales’ squad for the autumn internationals because of a neck injury.

The 27-year-old from Newbridge suffered the injury after a scrum went down in the United Rugby Championship defeat to the Stormers at Rodney Parade a fortnight ago.

Medics called for a stretcher before the 40-times capped front rower was able to walk from the field.

Dee linked up with Wayne Pivac’s squad but was unable to play a full part in training and will now return to the Dragons to continue his rehabilitation.

The Dragons front rower started all three summer Tests while Ken Owens was on Lions duty and the experienced hooker has been ruled out of Saturday’s clash with New Zealand.

Ryan Elias starts and Cardiff’s uncapped hooker Kirby Myhill will back him up, with fixtures against South Africa, Fiji and Australia after the All Blacks Test.

The Dragons are next in action on November 27 when they welcome Edinburgh to Newport in the URC, a game followed by a trip to Scotland to tace Glasgow.

Taylor Davies started in Dee's absence at Cardiff on Saturday with Ellis Shipp an unused replacement.

Former Wales and Lions hooker Richard Hibbard and converted back rower James Benjamin, who is on loan at Cornish Pirates, are the other options in the squad.