The summer months are normally a time for rest and relaxation for the players – but for a number of Dragons the off-season has been a busy one as they aim for a successful pre-season return.
The squad – minus those involved in the Wales training camp - will come together for the first time on June 10 as preparations for the new Guinness PRO14 and European Challenge Cup campaigns begin.
However, some players have already spent much of the summer on rehabilitation and recovery programmes and attending medical reviews as they strive to feature in pre-season.
Prop Aaron Jarvis is now nearing a return to full training after he had a positive testing day in London last week and had his hamstring function and co-ordination fully assessed.
Back row James Sheekey also saw his surgeon last week - following a hip operation in January – and is anticipated to play a part in the first pre-season block.
Lock Brandon Nansen also had a positive review of his hamstring injury in London earlier this month and, after a three-week training block, is hoping to link up with Samoa ahead of the Rugby World Cup.
Ollie Griffiths (bicep), Harri Keddie (foot) and Arwel Robson (hamstring) have worked tirelessly on rehab during the off-season as they target a return alongside Ashton Hewitt and Tyler Morgan.
Back row Taine Basham (hand) and James Benjamin (neck) also have medical reviews scheduled next week.
Ben Stirling, Head of Physiotherapy and Medical Services at Dragons, said: “All the injured players have been working exceptionally hard during the summer and should be commended for their commitment to being as fit as possible come the start of pre-season.
“The pre-season period is an extremely important one for the entire squad, so we’ve worked hard throughout the off-season with the injured boys to ensure they can aim for a successful return.
“It’s fantastic to see a number of players who have had long-term injuries, such as Aaron Jarvis and James Sheekey, near a return to training with pre-season just around the corner.”
All the injured players have been working exceptionally hard... and should be commended for their commitment to being as fit as possible come pre-season...
