BACK rower Aaron Wainwright will miss the Dragons' United Rugby Championship run-in and Wales' summer tour to South Africa because of a foot injury.

The 24-year-old from Bassaleg suffered a fractured heel in the defeat to the Scarlets at Rodney Parade a fortnight ago.

Wainwright will miss Sunday's trip to the Ospreys and home encounters with Cardiff and the Lions.

The back rower, who played against Ireland and Scotland in the Six Nations, will also be unavailable for the three-Test tour to South Africa.

“Waino will be out for eight to ten weeks and that will involve him missing the summer with a stress fracture on his heel,” said director of rugby Dean Ryan.

Wainwright was joined on the sidelines for last week’s loss to Zebre – who hadn’t won in 18 games – by fellow internationals Ross Moriarty, Leon Brown, Will Rowlands and Elliot Dee.

“Ross and Leon are both nerve injuries and they are trying to recover. Leon has a shoulder stinger and Ross is ongoing with his leg," said Ryan.

“I don’t know the answer [to when they will be back]. We are in contact with everyone at Wales on all these points.

“Will has a shoulder issue and we are seeing some improvement. Elliot is also working back into that space [after a calf strain].

“It’s a significant amount of quality in a squad like ours with the challenges we have got in this run of fixtures.”

South Wales Argus: BACK: Ollie Griffiths is set to return for the DragonsBACK: Ollie Griffiths is set to return for the Dragons

One bit of positive news comes with the return of dynamic back rower Ollie Griffiths.

The 27-year-old from Newbridge has missed the last five games after suffering a groin injury in the loss to the Bulls in Pretoria at the end of March.

Griffiths, the Dragons’ leader for turnovers in the URC, is back for the run-in to provide a boost in the absence of Wainwright and Moriarty.

"I can't speak highly enough of Ollie," said Ryan. "When we saw his injury we were really concerned, and so was he, that it was long term.

"To see him back this season is fantastic. His form and commitment has been outstanding, so I can't wait to see him back."

In-form captain Harri Keddie was joined by Taine Basham and Ben Fry in the back row against Zebre last weekend with Lennon Greggains providing cover from the bench.

Centre Jack Dixon, whose form has prompted calls for Wales recognition, has been managing a foot injury and came off at half-time in Parma and he is touch and go for Swansea.