THE Dragons are looking to make a short-term signing after being down to their last two senior back rowers for Friday’s Guinness PRO14 fixture against Edinburgh.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan is down to the bare bones in what is traditionally an area of strength after another pair of injuries last weekend.

In-form Harri Keddie suffered a head injury in the 30-20 loss to Connacht and his replacement Lewis Evans finished the game despite a calf strain.

The Dragons are already without Aaron Wainwright because of the Six Nations and his fellow Wales international Ross Moriarty is on the comeback trail from autumn ankle surgery.

Ollie Griffiths is targeting a March return from an ankle issue, Taine Basham was given a 10-week target after fracturing his left forearm against the Scarlets on New Year’s Day and James Benjamin (leg) and Lennon Greggains (shoulder) are also sidelined.

It leaves Ryan with flankers Ben Fry and Huw Taylor from last weekend’s matchday squad plus academy prospect George Young, who is yet to make his senior debut.

The other option would be to move a lock to the back row but Ryan is looking to make a signing.

South Wales Argus:

“We are low on numbers and the back row is a real concern,” said the director of rugby. “We might be able to get someone in.

“We'll see over the new few days but we are going to have to look at how we support that area.

“We've either got to look at strengthening that area or look at changing some of the combinations. Moving a lock is an option.

“Our injury challenge in the back row is one that we wouldn't have foreseen but that's what the Dragons is about. If it means a young man getting an opportunity then we will support him as much as we can.”

Young, 19, is the son of former Newport forward Robert.

“George has been great. He is young, quiet, has come in and learnt his job,” said Ryan.

“He is very physical and has been really good around the senior environment, taking in as much as he can.

“If this weekend is the one that he plays, we have every confidence that he will come and do himself justice.”

The Dragons are looking to bounce back from a poor performance in the 30-20 loss to Connacht that leaves their hopes of Champions Cup qualification hanging by a thread.