THE Dragons are set to bring back their Wales contingent for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Bulls – and lock Ben Carter is poised to join them after four months out.
The Rodney Parade club start their run-in with an encounter with the South Africans at Rodney Parade and head coach Dai Flanagan is likely to call on his Six Nations players.
The trio of wing Rio Dyer, hooker Elliot Dee and number eight Aaron Wainwright featured in every game while full-back/fly-half Cai Evans and back rower Taine Basham came off the bench in the loss to England.
The quintet are all in the mix to feature against the Bulls, who are second in the URC, but tighthead Leon Brown remains sidelined with an injury - one that the Dragons won't disclose - suffered against Scotland.
Head coach Dai Flanagan said: "We have the intention to include all five, although one may miss out after turning up tight. If they do miss out then they will be available for Zebre.
"Our stars want to play for us, they have all come back with the intention to play. There is a lot of man management but all five are keen and hopefully all five will be involved."
It will be a formidable challenge against a hefty South African pack so the potential return of lock Ben Carter is a huge boost.
The 11-times capped Wales international has been out of action since a severe injury to his left hamstring in the win against the Ospreys in mid-November.
The 23-year-old is back in training and is line to provide a timely lift for the bid to avoid finishing bottom of the URC.
"Ben has put on six kilograms of lean muscle, so he's a massive human now," said Flanagan.
"You will probably see the difference at the weekend and he is all work rate – he has the work of two men whenever he plays.
"I am sure we will see a lot more in the collisions from him with the extra lean muscle mass that he has got.
"He is one of the most diligent pros that you will meet and he has worked his tail off. He has been on a big block to improve his high-intensity reps, not necessarily his weight.
"With age comes a little bit of extra weight but there is also a plan for him; his injury was not seen as a negative but an opportunity.
"But that can only be an opportunity if the player buys into it and maximises the time he has got, which Ben has done and we are excited to have him back."
Back row forward Harrison Keddie is also available after missing the last three games with an elbow injury.
The Bulls take on the Dragons and then face Leinster in Dublin before returning to Pretoria to host Lyon in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.
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