STEVE Jones is set to miss the start of the season, leaving Newport Gwent Dragons down to just one senior hooker.

The 34-year-old from Neath underwent an operation to solve a hip/groin problem before the end of last season.

But Jones’ rehabilitation is taking slightly longer than first expected and he is unlikely to be fit for the Rabodirect Pro12 opener against Munster in Cork.

It is hoped that he won’t be out of the running for too long, especially as with Lloyd Burns bidding for a place in Wales’ World Cup squad Tom Willis will be the Dragons’ only hooker with regional experience.

Backing him up will be the untried trio of Rhys Buckley, Sam Parry and Jamie Sollis, who are expected to play most of their rugby at Pontypool, Newport and Cross Keys respectively this season.

Given the inexperienced back-up, there will be a heavy burden on the shoulders of the New Zealander.

Willis has been unlucky with injuries throughout his three seasons at Rodney Parade and managed just 12 appearances last term.

“Steve had surgery before the end of last season but his recovery has taken a little bit longer than expected,” said director of rugby Robert Beale.

“He is one of our longest-serving professionals and knows his own body and there is certainly no point in taking risks so early in the season.

“Tom Willis is fully fit and we have got three keen hookers backing him up, so we are comfortable with the situation.”

Jones is, however, the Dragons only fitness worry with locks Robert Sidoli and Scott Morgan making good progress after elbow injuries that forced them to sit out the end of last season.

“Everyone apart from Steve is in good shape and on track for the friendly with Russia (on Tuesday, August 16),” said Beale.

Meanwhile, the dates have been confirmed for the first half of the Dragons’ Pro12 campaign.

They will start in Cork on Saturday, September 3 (kick-off 7.45pm) before returning to Ireland to tackle Leinster at the RDS on the Friday (kick-off 7.35pm).

Their first game at the redeveloped Rodney Parade is against Aironi on Saturday, September 17 kick-off 6.30pm).

Dragons Pro 12 fixtures

Saturday, September 3 - Munster (away) 7.45pm

Friday, September 9 – Leinster (away) 7.35pm

Saturday, September 17 – Aironi (home) 6.30pm

Friday, September 23 – Connacht (away) 7.30pm

Friday, September 30 – Ulster (home) 7.05pm

Friday, October 7 – Glasgow (away) 7.30pm

Saturday, October 29 – Treviso (away) 3pm

Friday, November 4 – Cardiff Blues (home) 7.05pm

Friday, November 25 – Scarlets (away) 7.05

Sunday, December 4 – Glasgow (home) 4.30pm

Friday, December 23 – Cardiff Blues (away) 7.35pm

Friday, December 30 – Scarlets (home) 7.05pm