NEWPORT Gwent Drag-ons coach Mike Ruddock is aiming to obtain the release of Wales A lock Neil Edwards, this week from Ebbw Vale to bolster the Dragons pack.

The Dragons have suddenly run into big problems in the back five of their pack with the loss of Ian Gough, Rhys Oakley and Ross Beattie to injury, Michael Owen to the Six Nations with Wales and Luke Charteris to Wales Under-21s.

Gough became the latest injury victim when he twisted an ankle and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after only 17 minutes in Friday night's cracker against Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons won 15-9, all the points coming from kicks with Percy Montgomery landing five penalties in five attempts for the Dragons in a fantastic high intensity match which could just as easily have ended up something like 26-20.

Gough was replaced by Edwards two days after playing for Ebbw Vale against Pontypool to complete an almost fairytale comeback to regional rugby after being dogged by injuries and then released as part of the cutbacks that were inflicted last autumn when the Dragons went into administration.

But that is all in the past. Tony Brown, who watched Friday's match, is back on board and the Dragons have climbed to second place in the Celtic League table, two points behind leaders Ulster and four ahead of the Scarlets, who snatched a bonus point on Friday for finishing within seven points of the Dragons.

Ruddock wants Edwards to return to the regional fray. "I thought Neil did tremendously well and Andy Marinos (the Dragons captain) singled him out for his marvellous contribution," said Ruddock.

"I know Neil through the Wales A side and he's a really good player. I'm delighted he took his opportunity so well.

"All the problems have left us vulnerable and I'm hoping for co-operation from the club and that Neil can continue with us."