Dragons on 'red alert' after Leon Brown neck and shoulder injury

The 26-year-old from Newport was forced off in the first half of last week’s loss to Ulster in Belfast, just his third club outing of the campaign.

Brown had neck surgery last summer and that has led to a cautious approach for the prop, who took his tally of caps to 23 by facing Scotland in the Six Nations.

The powerful front rower will sit out the United Rugby Championship finale against the Scarlets at Judgement Day on Saturday.

The Dragons have sent him to get the injury checked out with the Wales prop, who was an option along with Tomas Francis and Dillon Lewis in the Six Nations, hoping for good news ahead of the pre-World Cup training camps.

Dragons and Wales prop Leon Brown (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“Leon's neck and shoulder area is getting scanned to make sure it's nothing serious but he won't turn it around,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.

“Hopefully it's nothing serious but history will tell you that we need to be on red alert because of the op that he had previously. He is moving his neck fine, he is a little bit weak in his shoulder but fingers crossed.”

Brown’s absence is likely to lead to Lloyd Fairbrother starting with Chris Coleman coming onto the bench.

The Dragons have centre/wing Sio Tomkinson back in the mix after a two-game suspension for a red card while centre Steff Hughes has returned to full training after a concussion against Glasgow a fortnight ago.

Dragons wing/centre Jared Rosser (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Jared Rosser, who is primarily a winger, slotted in at 13 alongside Max Clark in the 40-21 defeat to Ulster but is a doubt for Principality Stadium.

The 25-year-old from Abersychan suffered a knee injury in Belfast and is “touch and go” according to Flanagan, who has been hugely impressed by the Wales Sevens international.

“Jared has been superb for us and a pleasure to work with since I've arrived at the region,” he said.

“I came in with the mindset that Jared was a player who I would sign if I was at any other region.

“I am really pleased that we have managed to retain him because he is such an athlete but also such a leader in the group for a young man.”

All 23 of the players that took to the field at Ravenhill will be back for next season but Flanagan could give a last hurrah to some leavers.

The likes of fly-half Sam Davies, flanker Ben Fry and lock/blindside Huw Taylor are available for selection before heading for the exit.

“There will be subtle changes, particularly on the bench given the opposition and then players with stuff to play for,” said Flanagan.

“Rugby is such a collision sport and an emotional sport that sometimes you need something to play for.”

The Dragons name their team at midday on Friday.