NEWPORT Gwent Dragons centre Jack Dixon has suffered a pre-season injury blow – but the length of his lay-off is yet to be determined.

The 20-year-old from Newbridge scored a try in Friday’s friendly against the Scarlets after being released from Wales’ World Cup training squad.

He suffered a blow to the kidney in the 29-20 loss at Rodney Parade and has been sent to see a specialist with the extent of the damage yet to be determined.

Initial reports were that the centre had suffered an Achilles injury that would sideline him for three to six months but the Dragons then issued a medical clarification.

Nonetheless, they are bracing themselves for the potential absence of a player who was central to their plans in the opening weeks of the campaign after his summer of graft with Warren Gatland’s squad in Switzerland, Qatar and Colwyn Bay.

If Dixon is sidelined then new recruit Adam Warren, Ross Wardle, Carl Meyer and Barney Nightingale are left as midfield options. Tyler Morgan is with Wales and Pat Leach is on the comeback trail from a knee injury.

"It's very sad," said Jones to BBC Wales. "He's made good progress in his short career and he's trained well with Wales in the summer, but unfortunately didn't make the cut.

"We were expecting big things from Jack but unfortunately his development has again been curtailed with a nasty injury."

A spell on the sidelines would be a huge blow for Dixon, who just days ago was talking about profiting from his summer with Wales.

"The last couple of months have been an awesome experience for me,” he said before the Scarlets game. “It was tough work in the Welsh camp but I learnt a lot and hopefully it will show this season.

"Just to get in the initial squad was a massive achievement for me so in that aspect I’m happy but of course I was a little bit disappointed to be let go even if there’s a lot of competition at centre.

"I was travelling reserve for Ireland and just to do the warm-up at the Millennium Stadium was incredible. That gives you a taste for it and I am desperate to be involved again next time."

"I’ve always looked up to Jamie Roberts as a 12 and I learnt so much off both him and Scott Williams,” he continued.

"It has definitely improved my game, developing little things and my passing game so that I can play more heads-up rugby rather than being the stereotypical crash ball 12."