DRAGONS icon Lewis Evans could be a long-term option at lock because of the region’s glut of back row talent, says boss Bernard Jackman.

The 31-year-old from Newport made his first appearance in the second row against Timisoara Saracens in the European Challenge Cup and continued alongside captain Cory Hill against Northampton, locking horns with England powerhouse Courtney Lawes.

Evans made 213 outings for the Dragons in the back row before being asked to move forward and head coach Jackman believes the stalwart, the region’s record appearance holder, has the skills to thrive in the boilerhouse.

“We will have a look at the video and see what he needs to work on, but he is pretty keen to play there and with Cory gone for the next block (because of Wales duty) we need to have someone of his ability to lineout call,” said the former Ireland hooker.

“It’s something that could be long-term. We feel that for the longevity of his career it is certainly something worth looking at.

“He is a really good rugby player, he is big part of the Dragons and has a great legacy here.

“The way the back row is going, it is all about athleticism. I am not saying he is not athletic, but age catches up with you and then we are looking at what we have coming behind with the likes of Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham, etcetera.

“We know what Lewis can do in the back row but with Cory potentially being away quite a bit, we don’t have anyone as good as him as a lineout caller.”

The Dragons also have Matthew Screech and Rynard Landman as second row options but Brandon Nansen (concussion) and Joe Davies (shoulder) have been sidelined.

Jackman believes the early signs are promising for Evans, who made his Dragons debut in 2006, to be in the mix with the specialists.

“Lewis is a very smart rugby player, his work rate is high with a back row’s tackle count and he is deceptively strong. Usually props give out about light second rows, but they all like having Lewis behind them,” said Jackman.

“It’s something that we are looking, you need to give four or five games before you can make a definite call but we feel he can add to us there.”