NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will be without wing Ashton Hewitt for Saturday’s Guinness PRO12 clash against Connacht in Galway, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons had been hopeful of the 22-year-old speedster making his return against the champions at the Sportsground (kick-off 7.35pm).

Hewitt has not featured since the New Year’s Day defeat to the Ospreys at Rodney Parade and has been released from Wales’ Six Nations squad after reporting with concussion.

The hope is that the uncapped winger will prove his fitness with the potential to be called back into Rob Howley’s squad to help with preparations for the Championship.

However, Hewitt is now targeting next Friday’s home encounter with Leinster for a return to the fray.

“He started back training with us on Tuesday and is a lot further down the road than he was this time last week but this game has probably come a bit too early for him,” said backs coach Shaun Connor.

“You can’t be too careful with head knocks so we’ve erred on the side of caution and hopefully he will be fit for next week.”

Wales wing Hallam Amos is still a couple of weeks away from a return after needing shoulder surgery following the injury he suffered attempting to score in the November Test against Australia.

The Dragons have no fresh injury worries after last weekend’s 45-17 loss to Munster in Cork while lock Cory Hill, who came off the bench against Italy and England, will be involved after being released from the Six Nations camp for game time.

Back row forward/lock Nick Crosswell and wing Tom Prydie have not been offered fresh deals to stay at Rodney Parade yet but are also in contention to figure.

“As far as I’m aware, and Kingsley deals with all contracts, they haven’t been offered a contract at the moment,” said Connor.

“That’s not to say they won’t be offered contracts but, as it is in the rugby world, players around this time of year need to look around if they are not going to be at a club.

“As far as I am concerned they are both going to be involved this week and will be vital players from now until the end of the season and who knows, maybe beyond.”