Return of Rob Sidoli boosts Dragons (From South Wales Argus)

Return of Rob Sidoli boosts Dragons

9:00am Wednesday 20th February 2013 in Latest Rugby By Chris Kirwan

LOCK Rob Sidoli has returned from a shoulder injury to bolster the Newport Gwent Dragons ranks for Sunday’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash at Zebre.

Sidoli, the Argus Dragon of the year for 2011/12, has been out of action since suffering the blow in the LV= Cup win against the Ospreys last month.

However, the 33-year-old former Wales second row forward is likely to make his return on the bench as his involvement with the squad has been limited, both because of his injury and the birth of his second daughter last weekend.

“It’s great to have Sid back,” said captain Lewis Evans. “He’s not just an old head, he is a very honest guy.

“He is a great guy to have around because he says it how it is. As captain it’s nice to have someone like that next to you.”

Ex-South Africa wing Tonderai Chavhanga (bruised bone in his knee) and former Samoa centre Andy Tuilagi (hamstring) are still a fortnight away from a return to action.

Four players will be in Premiership action on Friday, props Tim Ryan and Aaron Coundley for Newport at Pontypridd and wing Matthew Pewtner and fly-half Lewis Robling with Bedwas against Cross Keys at Bridge Field.

Full-back Jamie Smith is also nearing a return. The Irishman has not played all season because of an ankle injury.

Dragons squad: H Amos, D Evans, T Prydie, W Harries, A Hughes, A Smith, J Dixon, P Leach, S Jones, W Evans, J Evans, O Evans, P Price, N Williams, H Gustafson, S Parry, N Buck, D Way, I Nimmo, A Jones, R Sidoli, N Cudd, L Evans (captain), I Jones, J Groves.