CORY Hill has been released from the Wales squad to boost Newport Gwent Dragons for their trip to face Guinness PRO12 champions Connacht.

The 24-year-old lock has featured as a replacement in the Six Nations encounters with Italy and England as back-up to captain Alun Wyn Jones and Jake Ball.

He is one of 13 players released by coach Rob Howley for game time this weekend and will strengthen the Dragons pack for the Saturday evening encounter at the Sportsground in Galway.

Tighthead Scott Andrews, hooker Kristian Dacey and wing Alex Cuthbert will play for Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys profit from the returns of props Nicky Smith and Rhodri Jones, hooker Scott Baldwin, lock Rory Thornton, back rows James King and Olly Cracknell and fly-half Sam Davies while the Scarlets are bolstered by scrum-half Aled Davies and wing Steff Evans.

As was reported by the Argus last Friday, wing Ashton Hewitt has been released from the Six Nations squad to return to fitness with the Dragons after being unable to train fully because of concussion.

If he features for the Rodney Parade region then he could be called back up for the Championship.