Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia has vowed to carefully build-up the return of Solomone Funaki and Ashton Hewitt – with both set to feature in the Super Rugbi Cymru action.
Wing Hewitt, joint second on the Dragons’ all-time try list on 36, has been sidelined since suffering a knee ligament injury at the end of 2023.
The 30-year-old is back in training and now set to take the next step by featuring in the SRC.
Hewitt will be joined by Tongan back rower Funaki who made his playing comeback with a try for Pontypool last weekend.
The powerful back row forward joined the Dragons last summer from Moana Pasifika but an infection in his knee has delayed his return.
“We were really happy with 'Mone' getting a game, he got 20 minutes, and it was really pleasing to see him do what he does,” said Tiatia.
“There is still a little bit of work to do so he will play SRC again and keep adding minutes on to get up to 40-odd.
“It's very much the same for Ashton because it's important that players get the opportunity to get match fitness and combat ready.
“Ashton has worked really hard after being out for a year and you just can't play URC or Challenge Cup as a first game, you need to build up to that and this is safeguarding the guys.”
Ashton has worked really hard after being out for a year and you just can't play URC or Challenge Cup as a first game, you need to build up to that and this is safeguarding the guys...
