DRAGONS fly-half Arwel Robson has joined Cornish Pirates on loan.

The 24-year-old from Penallta has been a fringe figure at Rodney Parade despite signing a fresh one-year contract last summer.

Robson’s sole appearance since then was a cameo in the August defeat to the Scarlets in Newport in the final game of the 2019/20 season.

He has season fallen behind youngster Evan Lloyd as back-up to the established 10s Sam Davies and Josh Lewis in Dean Ryan’s pecking order.

The former Wales Under-20s international will now follow Connor Edwards, who has impressed at Doncaster, in moving to the English Championship for game time and to push for a contract.

He will be available for the Pirates clash with Ampthill, who are led by former Dragons surpremo Paul Turner, this weekend.

Director of rugby Ryan said: “This is a great opportunity for Arwel to go on loan into the English Championship as part of his development and get some valuable game time.”

Robson made his Dragons debut against Leicester at Welford Road in November 2016 but his progress was hindered by injury misfortune.

He made 24 appearances but will now head for England’s second tier after spending a spell on loan at Jersey last season.

Pirates joint head coach Gavin Cattle is excited about welcoming a fellow Welshman to the Mennaye Field.

“It is useful to have a 10 like Arwel on loan who has been exposed to PRO14 level, kicks the line well and recognises space,” he said.

“Helping us in our current situation, the support of Dean Ryan and [head of recruitment] Rob Burgess at the Dragons to facilitate the loan is greatly appreciated, as it enables us to have a good player on our hands, probably for the rest of the season.”

The Dragons have Sam Davies as their prime fly-half for the final weeks of the campaign with Lloyd pushing for a debut while Lewis recovers from an ankle injury.

Academy prospect Will Reed signed a new contract in February.