DRAGONS back row new boy Nic Cudd is set to make his debut against his former teammates when the Gwent region face the Scarlets on Friday night.

The region is having to manage something of a crisis in the back row with Dan Lydiate, Hywel Stoddart and Darren Waters all on the long-term injury list.

Lydiate has undergone successful surgery to his ankle following the injury sustained in last Friday’s game against Edinburgh. He is due to be released from hospital later this week and will return home to recuperate.

The loss of Lydiate has been compounded by the news that fellow back rower Hywel Stoddart is expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury playing for Newport RFC in the Principality Premiership on Saturday.

Elsewhere, lock Rob Sidoli is expected to be unavailable for several more weeks as he recovers from a calf injury.

Dragons squad for Scarlets: Backs: Daniel Evans, Hallam Amos, Tom Prydie, Will Harries, Adam Hughes ,Jack Dixon, Andy Tuilagi, Pat Leach, Ashley Smith, Steffan Jones, Jonathan Evans, Liam Davies.

Forwards: Jevon Groves, Ieuan Jones , Tom Brown, Toby Faletau, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Ian Nimmo, Adam Jones, Dan Way, Nathan Buck, Aaron Coundley, Phil Price, Steve Jones, Hugh Gustafson, Sam Parry.

Players not selected through injury: Joe Bedford (Shoulder), Tonderai Chavhanga (Knee), Jamie Smith (Ankle), Dan Watchurst (Leg break), Darren Waters (Knee), Rob Sidoli (Calf), Andrew Coombs (Knee), Mike Poole (Knee), Wayne Evans (Back) Dan Lydiate (Ankle) Hywel Stoddart (Knee), Lewis Robling (Cut Knee).

Wales Sevens: Matthew Pewtner