THE Dragons have been given the green light for their Boxing Day derby against Cardiff Blues after recording a solitary positive test for coronavirus.

Dean Ryan’s squad had their weekly test on Tuesday and one individual tested positive, with another squad member identified as a close contact.

They join the two players and a staff member that tested positive ahead of last weekend’s Champions Cup encounter with Bordeaux-Begles.

It means that the Guinness PRO14 fixture against the Blues at Rodney Parade will go ahead as long as the men from the Arms Park do not have an outbreak.

“Dragons Rugby has returned a positive case for COVID-19 in the region’s playing squad, as part of Welsh Rugby’s testing programme,” read a statement.

“All subsequent Public Health Wales and Government guidelines are being followed and the individual is currently isolating.

“One other member of the playing group, who has been identified by Dragons as a potential close contact, is also self-isolating.

“The remainder of the playing squad are continuing with preparations for the Guinness PRO14 derby fixture with Cardiff Blues on Boxing Day.”

The Dragons had to pull six players from their matchday squad to face Wasps a fortnight ago after two players tested positive, with the other four identified as close contacts.

Tighthead Leon Brown, back row forwards Aaron Wainwright and Harri Keddie, lock Matthew Screech and wing Ashton Hewitt returned to training this week.

Tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother was cleared for the trip to Bordeaux after a review of footage showed he didn’t hit the limit for close contact with the individuals.

Cardiff Blues boss John Mulvihill will miss the Boxing Day derby because he is isolating after holding a one-to-one meeting with a player who has since tested positive.