URC: Dragons hunting new tighthead as well as Liam Williams

The Rodney Parade club have been alerted to 33-year-old Williams’ desire to move back home from Japan, where he has been playing for Kubuto Spears, although a move is not imminent as the start of the United Rugby Championship approaches.

The 92-times capped full-back/wing, a two-time Lions tourist, left Cardiff at the end of last year’s World Cup but is keen to return for family reasons.

Williams, who has played for the Scarlets twice and Cardiff, is certainly of interest for the Dragons but only if the price is right and they are confident that a frugal deal can be struck.

Wales are watching the situation with interest after he was forced to miss last season’s Six Nations because of club commitments - and the financial benefits of international action would supplement the Dragons’ wage.

TARGET: Wales and Lions full-back Liam Williams could sign for the Dragons (Image: PA)

He returned to Warren Gatland’s squad in the summer and started on the wing against South Africa, moved to full-back in the first Test against Australia then back out to the flank for the second Test.

It is out wide that the Dragons have more pressing need given the presence of Angus O’Brien and Cai Evans as the leading candidates at 15, backed up by Jordan Williams.

Wales speedster Rio Dyer is the star attraction on the wing with Ashton Hewitt, who is on the comeback trail from ruptured knee ligaments and eyeing a return next month, and Jared Rosser the senior options to go with up-and-comers Ewan Rosser, Oli Andrew, Harry Rees-Weldon, Huw Anderson and Walker Price.

Williams is on the Dragons’ radar but they are also in the market for a tighthead, ideally one ready to step straight into the senior squad.

RETIRED: Former Dragons tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother has hung up his boots (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

They have suffered the huge blow of the sudden retirement of stalwart Lloyd Fairbrother that leaves them light on options.

Wales international Leon Brown has agreed fresh terms and looks in good shape in pre-season but there is a recognition that he needs to be managed carefully.

The 27-year-old is a stellar talent when fit and firing but has played just four club games in each of the last two campaigns and there are question marks over his durability.

Former Ospreys and Cardiff prop Dmitri Arhip has signed a one-year contract after playing on a short-term deal at the end of last season.

However, the strong-scrummaging Moldovan is currently managing a knee problem and at 35 is unlikely to rack up the minutes.

That could lead to Chris Coleman and Luke Yendle shouldering a heavy burden, so boss Dai Flanagan is keen to add to his options with the Fairbrother retirement leaving some room in the budget.

The Dragons start the URC with a derby against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Saturday, September 21.

They have two tune-ups against English opposition on Friday nights before that opener with a friendly against Bristol at Clifton RFC this weekend followed by a trip to face Bath at the Rec.