Dragons boss Dean Ryan is happy with the progress of young forward Ben Fry - and believes the region has a great pipeline of back row talent coming through.
The 22-year-old has made a big impression on the Dragons coaching staff with a number of notable stand-out performances since the re-start, the most recent in last week’s friendly fixture against Scarlets A at Rodney Parade.
“I am really happy with Ben’s progress and, with Aaron (Wainwright) and Ross (Moriarty) being away with Wales, there is an opportunity for our young back rowers," said Ryan.
"We have got to ensure that we have that pipeline well stocked and I think Ben is really starting to influence games.
“If you look at the Scarlets A game recently he stands out; even though that was a pretty senior Scarlets side that he is playing against.
“Ben is growing in terms of his influence and understanding of when to influence matches and when to ensure that his job is done right. I think he is progressing nicely and is really close to more Guinness PRO14 action.”
The Dragons back row department is well stocked with plenty of talented youngsters coming through the ranks.
The likes of Taine Basham and Lennon Greggains, as well as Fry himself, will have plenty of opportunity to stake their claim in the coming weeks and months with both Moriarty and Wainwright away with the national side.
Ryan believes that this is a great opportunity for them to get game time in a busy schedule - starting with Ulster away this weekend.
However, he admits fans must remember that many of the players are still young and learning.
“There is a pipeline behind the likes of Ollie (Griffiths) and Harri (Keddie) that has gone well and I think one of the real benefits of having such quality is they get opportunities,” said Ryan.
“It’s great that when Ross and Aaron go into camp it’s a time for those to get a run of five or six games under their belt.
”They are still young and continuously improving. We can forget how young they are, because they have been brought into Guinness PRO14 action very early. But it's good to see the progress they are making."
Ben is growing in terms of his influence and understanding of when to influence matches and when to ensure that his job is done right...
