DRAGONS prop Lloyd Fairbrother will miss the start of next season after rupturing his left Achilles against Glasgow.

The 29-year-old Cornishman suffered the injury after an hour of the Rainbow Cup defeat to the Warriors at Cardiff City Stadium.

The tighthead is going under the knife and faces a lengthy period of rehabilitation that means he is unlikely to play again in 2021.

“Unfortunately I ruptured my Achilles in last week’s game, it’s take the best part of a week to sink in and I’m in for my op,” he posted on Instagram from Vale Hospital.

“The road to recovery is going to be long but I want to take this time out to reset emotionally and mentally.

“After such a crazy few years I do feel this is my body asking for a break and a chance to reset. I’m lucky to have such good people around me, who love and support me through all these lows I’ve been facing.”

South Wales Argus:

Fairbrother has become a Dragons stalwart since heading to Rodney Parade from Exeter in 2014.

He has racked up 142 appearances – a tally that only Adam Black (163) and Phil Price (159) of the region’s props can beat – and signed a new two-year contract in March.

Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “It’s disappointing news for Lloyd, who has had another very strong season for us.

“We send our best wishes to Lloyd for his surgery and recovery as he starts his journey back from this injury.”

The loss of Fairbrother leaves the Dragons with Wales prop Leon Brown and up-and-coming Chris Coleman as their options at tighthead.

They are in negotiations with versatile former Wales front rower Aaron Jarvis over a fresh contract along with Brok Harris, the iconic South Africa who has converted from tighthead to looshead.