THE Dragons have signed Joe Thomas on loan from the Ospreys to cover their midfield injury crisis.

The 21-year-old has linked up with the Rodney Parade region ahead of this weekend’s Anglo-Welsh Cup opener against Northampton at Franklin’s Gardens.

Thomas has made five appearances for the Ospreys in the development competition and plays his club rugby for Aberavon.

The Dragons are currently without Tyler Morgan (ankle), Sam Beard (pectoral muscle), Thretton Palamo (foot), Zane Kirchner (shoulder) and Adam Hughes (foot).

 “I am grateful to Steve Tandy and the Ospreys for helping us out during this difficult period with injuries and loaning us Joe," said head coach Bernard Jackman.

“He has played age grade for Wales with some of our transition players and is a talented player.”

“The Dragons are looking for cover in midfield after a number of injuries recently and it’s a good opportunity for Joe to gain experience and show what he can do at this level, so it’s a loan that makes sense for everybody,” said Dan Griffiths, the former Newport fly-half who is elite development manager at the Liberty Stadium.

“Joe is a promising young player who we’ll be keeping a close eye on while he is away from our environment, and we are expecting to see him thriving while at the Dragons.”