NEWPORT Gwent Dragons wing Ashton Hewitt is to see a specialist about the shoulder injury that has disrupted his breakthrough season, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 21-year-old from Caerleon has been the Rodney Parade region’s star player this season, scoring seven tries and impressing with a series of lively performances.

Hewitt’s name has been put forward as a potential Wales squad member for the summer tour to face New Zealand but he has been unable to press his claims because of a shoulder injury suffered against Edinburgh last month.

He was forced to pull out of the derby defeat to the Ospreys despite being named in the XV and, after missing last weekend’s stunning European Challenge Cup quarter-final victory at Gloucester, will sit out Sunday’s encounter with Cardiff Blues in the capital.

“It’s a shame for Ashton, he has had a good season and has been on Wales’ radar,” said head coach Kingsley Jones.

“It’s unfortunate for Ashton but we have been fortunate that Adam Hughes has stepped in and he was probably my man of the match in Gloucester. He was really physical, sat Richard Hibbard down once and was excellent.”

The Dragons will also be without captain Rhys Thomas, who is also seeing a specialist after a knee problem brought about by a dead leg against Edinburgh, and his fellow hooker Hugh Gustafson, who has a minor Achilles injury.

That means Elliot Dee, fresh from starring against Wales hooker Richard Hibbard, will have a showdown with Kristian Dacey with Rhys Buckley as his back-up.

Lock Cory Hill is still missing with a hip injury that forced him off in the first half against Edinburgh.

“Selection for us is a challenge, do we go with the same group (as Gloucester) and can they play six days later in Montpellier and put in the same performance,” said Jones.

“I haven’t named the team to the players yet but that’s probably the way that we will go to try and get continuity and reward the group from the weekend.

“It’s a fine balance because there are four or five players who are pushing each other. The half-backs are particularly strong and offer a nice blend but ultimately the boys have trained really well and we are at the stage of the season where we don’t need to be doing 10 hours on the training field, we need to be fresh in our mind and we will keep things basic.”

Centre Jack Dixon and flanker James Thomas continue their comebacks from kidney and back injuries respectively for Bedwas against Llandovery in the Principality Premiership this evening but are unlikely to be in contention with Jones wanting to reward those who played well in Gloucester.