THE Dragons are signing an overseas prop on a short-term deal because of a loosehead injury crisis, with Rhodri Jones ruled out until the New Year.
The Rodney Parade club are down to their last fit specialist loosehead, Rodrigo Martinez, because of injuries to Jones (knee), Josh Reynolds (leg) and up-and-comers Dylan Keller-Griffiths (ankle) and Jordan Morris (knee).
They were forced to bring in Ospreys front rower Cameron Jones on an emergency loan last week and he featured off the bench against the Lions in the United Rugby Championship.
The 23-year-old will remain with the club for the rest of the first block of the URC before returning west but the Dragons have also secured the services of a loosehead from abroad.
The individual will arrive in Wales before this weekend but will only feature against Benetton on Saturday night if there is a late withdrawal.
It is likely that the new prop will feature in the warm-up against Benetton before being an option for the matchday 23 at Connacht the following weekend.
“We have a loosehead coming in very soon to help us out,” said head coach Dai Flanagan. “We have an injury crisis and the Ospreys were very good in allowing Cameron to come to us for this block.
“Josh Reynolds is close to a return but isn't contact-ready yet, while Rhodri will be out for a long time unfortunately with an injury he picked up late in the Sharks game.
“Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths has had ankle surgery and Jordan Morris had knee surgery, so that leaves us with Rodrigo as the only fit loosehead on contract.
“We needed cover and thankfully we planned a bit of a buffer this year [with the budget], which we hadn't done previously, and that has allowed us to bring someone in.”
The Dragons were helped out by the Ospreys last week with the Swansea side, who have their own injury crises in other positions, also profiting from the imposing Cameron Jones getting senior experience.
With Rhodri Jones out for 12 weeks, the overseas recruit is poised to stay with the club until at least January.
“It was busy. There must have been 60 phone calls, 600 WhatsApp messages just trying to get options,” said Flanagan.
“We rang every English and Welsh club but didn't get anyone until late in the day [when signing Jones]. We have actively been searching and finally we have got there.
“It’s a shame for Rhodri Jones that he has picked up this injury but we move forward and Josh Reynolds will have his chance in the next block.”
The Dragons aim to announce the prop’s signing before this weekend.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here