NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have suffered an injury blow after strong-running number eight Ed Jackson underwent shoulder surgery.

The 28-year-old went under the knife on Monday and the Dragons are waiting for news about how the success of the operation, although they are braced for the influential back row forward having a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Jackson made a superb start to the season to help soften the blow of Taulupe Faletau’s departure and turned down offers from Aviva Premiership sides to sign a fresh two-year contract in December.

But the former Wasps back rower, who made his 15th appearance of the season in the European Rugby Challenge Cup defeat in Brive on January 21, is now out of action to leave the Dragons with a hole to fill in their back row.

“It’s a big blow,” said forwards coach Ceri Jones. “Eddie has been excellent all year for us, he has really stepped up to the mark and will be a big loss.

“But there are now opportunities for other people to step up and take his place and we are very fortunate to have the likes of Ollie Griffiths, Harrison Keddie, James Thomas who can come into the back row.

“Harri has shown glimpses of what he can do all season and there’s definitely a player there, so this is an opportunity.”

Keddie, 20, and captain Lewis Evans, who can move across from blindside, are the prime candidates to start at number eight in Friday’s Guinness PRO12 fixture against Munster in Cork.

Bedwas back row forward Robson Blake will also be an option for the rest of the campaign after making an impression in the Anglo-Welsh Cup.

The 21-year-old has signed a professional deal with the Dragons for next season and has made a trio of powerful cameos against Leicester, Newcastle and Gloucester.

“Robson has done exceptionally well in games off the bench and we have been really impressed with him,” said Jones.

“His ball-carrying prowess is there for everyone to see and we are pleased with how he is progressing.

“The biggest compliment you can give him is that the other players are talking about him and how well he has done.”

Meanwhile, loosehead Luke Garrett is set to return to the Scarlets for a second loan spell after Dylan Evans suffered a season-ending finger injury.

The 22-year-old made eight appearances out west after joining on a short-term deal in September – including against the Dragons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup – and has not featured since returning to Rodney Parade in December.