Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner has been suspended by the region pending an enquiry into disciplinary matters.

Chief executive Mike Jenkins will conduct the enquiry while Danny Wilson and Shaun Connor will take charge of tonight's LV Cup game at Sale and next weekend's game against the Scarlets.

Turner came under fire for his outspoken comments about flanker Dan Lydiate sustaining an injury courtesy of Wales fitness tests.

It led to the Dragons releasing the following statement: "Newport Gwent Dragons would like to issue the following statement in reference to comments made by Paul Turner in relation to the national squad screening day on 3rd January 2011.

"Dragons head coach Paul Turner would like to apologise unequivocally both for the way in which this matter came into the public domain and his choice of words used in his interview with the Argus.

"His comments were made in the heat of the moment following a briefing from his medical team regarding Danny Lydiate and were the result of his frustration and concern over the welfare of a player who has had a difficult history with injury.

"Mr Turner accepts that these are issues which would have been best dealt with directly with the WRU and not through the media."