NEWPORT Gwent Dragons forward Michael Owen has been told to rest for a few days after going to hospital with a nasty cut near an eye during Saturday's game against Cardiff Blues.

"Michael took a severe knock to the eye area and there was a bit of bleeding behind the eye. We hope it settles down in the next few days and we will re-assess the situation then," said team manager Jim McCreedy.

"He will miss training for a few days and he has been told to rest, keeping his head as still as possible." Owen had already shown his mettle against the Blues with his skill and vision, and it is hoped he will be fit for Friday night's game against Llanelli Scarlets at Rodney Parade.

Meanwhile, Dragons chief executive Andy Marinos is confident Wednesday's meeting between the four regions and Welsh Rugby Union chiefs will end in agreement.

If there is no deal on a participation agreement and rugby charter WRU chief David Moffett says money due to the regions will be withheld.

Marinos said today, "Our meeting last week was extremely positive, though there is that financial threat if if the agreement is not signed. But no-one wants it to deteriorate to that level, we all want to work together."