DRAGONS tighthead prop Luke Yendle aims to stake a claim for a senior chance at Rodney Parade by heading to the English Championship on loan.

The 23-year-old, who agreed a contract extension at the end of last season, will spend the season with Ampthill working under former Dragons boss Paul Turner.

Yendle is currently behind Wales international Leon Brown, stalwart Lloyd Fairbrother and Chris Coleman in the pecking order.

That has led to him heading to Bedfordshire to get some game experience with the Dragons able to recall him if they have injury problems, with Brown a key figure after enduring a nightmare 2022/23 that led to him missing the World Cup cut.

Yendle made his professional debut in December 2020 as a replacement against Wasps in the Champions Cup and has made four outings since, the last of which was January’s win at Pau.

The prop, who played for Jersey on loan in the Championship in 2021/22, will now prepare for the start of the English season.

Ampthill kick off on September 9 with the Premiership Cup, in which they will face Newcastle, Leicester and Sale, before the league gets under way on October 21.

South Wales Argus: Dragons prop Luke Yendle (centre) with Leon Brown and Chris ColemanDragons prop Luke Yendle (centre) with Leon Brown and Chris Coleman (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan said: “Luke is a homegrown young talent who has come through our academy system and needs further playing experience.

“His experience with Jersey was beneficial to his development and we feel time with Ampthill will also be a very positive experience for him.

“Linking up with a top coach in Paul Turner and getting to test himself in the competitive English Championship is a great opportunity for his continued career development.”

The Dragons are looking to bring in another prop on the other side of the front row to join looseheads Rhodri Jones, Aki Seiuli and Josh Reynolds.

Former Wales international Rob Evans was released at the end of last season after just one year with the club.

Meanwhile, the Dragons squad will be put through their paces by Flanagan & Co in an open training session on Saturday.

The first team will take to the field at 10am with gates open at 9am for supporters to visit the club shop before stadium tours at 9.30am.

The community team will put on a range of activities for children from 11am on the artificial surface in between the pitch and north terrace while there will also be a barbecue and bar open.