NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are hoping for a clean bill of health once pre-season rugby training gets fully under way in a fortnight.

The squad are currently involved in fitness training and conditioning, but four members of the squad have had minor operations while another is returning after a long-term injury.

Since the end of the season front row pair Chris Anthony and Steve Jones have both needed surgery, Anthony on his shoulder and Jones on a knee after suffering from tendonitis during the season, so are both a little behind the rest of the squad.

Hal Luscombe also needed an operation on a knee after he was restricted for a large part of the season, his hamstring also affected.

And back row forward Richard Bryan did not play from the middle of November after badly damaging knee ligaments, the knee requiring complete reconstruction. He has progressed satisfactorily and will be fit for the start of next season

Centre or wing Nathan Brew was also ruled out for a large part of the season with a slight fracture of an ankle, but he is back in full training.

The Dragons are now facing up to a season which will guarantee them 29 fixtures after the resolution of the Celtic League crisis and the introduction of the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The will play 20 fixtures in the Celtic League, a minimum of six in the Heineken Cup and three in the Anglo-Welsh.

"We're absolutely delighted the Celtic League situation was sorted out," said rugby manager Jim McCreedy.

Because of the Celtic League problems the Dragons have extended their early bird season ticket offer giving 10% off the prices of all tickets by three weeks to July 21.