RAPID winger Rio Dyer is looking to step on the gas in the next block of games for the Dragons after a frustrating spell on the sidelines.

The 21-year-old suffered a shoulder injury in the last game of 2020/21 at Leinster in the Rainbow Cup.

Dyer missed the start of the current campaign but made his return in the United Rugby Championship derby at Cardiff, scoring a try in the 31-29 defeat.

Sadly for the Wales Sevens international, the URC is now on a break during the autumn internationals.

The Dragons will play an A team game against the Scarlets next Friday and Dyer is aiming to be on the wing when they return to competitive action against Edinburgh on Saturday, November 27.

Rio Dyer of Dragons is tackled by Rey Lee-Lo of Cardiff Rugby

Rio Dyer of Dragons is tackled by Rey Lee-Lo of Cardiff Rugby

"For me I just need to continue to grow after a long time off, training is completely different to a game," said the speedster.

"You can train as much as you want but you won't have those game scenarios and experience until you're actually out there playing.

"It's just trying to stay on top of everything review the game and then keep going and growing throughout the season.

"I just need to try and get back into it, review my individual performances, get on the field and get that experience under my belt, so I can build confidence and step up my game as much as I can and continue improving."

Dyer has made 16 appearances since his Anglo-Welsh Cup debut at Saracens in 2018 but was frustrated to be sidelined after finishing last season strongly in the absence of Ashton Hewitt.

Rio Dyer of Dragons is tackled by Will Boyde of Cardiff Rugby

Rio Dyer of Dragons is tackled by Will Boyde of Cardiff Rugby

"Obviously, it can be difficult when you're injured and I was out for a bit longer than previous injuries," he said.

"But everything went to schedule and I came back probably better than expected so I'm happy with how that has gone and where I am now.

"There were a few nerves before the game, but it was nice to get back out there and get into a game and scoring was a bonus."

Dyer is battling Jonah Holmes, on-loan Jordan Olowofela, Owen Jenkins, Jared Rosser for starts, with Hewitt still on the comeback trail from a serious knee injury.

The Dragons host Edinburgh and then travel to Glasgow before getting their European Challenge Cup campaign under way at Perpignan and against Lyon in Newport.

Dean Ryan's men are holding an open training session at Ebbw Vale's Eugene Cross Park on Friday (2pm start).