Trio hand Dragons a major boost

Joe Bearman, Martyn Thomas and Matthew J Watkins have all been named in the Dragons squad for their Anglo-Welsh clash with Sale and are set to return to Magners League action imminently.

Bearman has been blighted by a series of injuries in the past two seasons. After making such an impact at Rodney Parade initially, the Cornishman made only eight appearances for the Men of Gwent last season and just one so far in this campaign.

Watkins has not played for the Dragons since facing Edinburgh in April. The Welsh centre underwent stomach surgery in the summer after a cancer-scare.

It was unknown how long Watkins would be out of action for and there were initially question marks over whether he would play again. But he has now fought his way back to fitness.

Meanwhile Thomas has also recovered from the sickening leg injury he suffered against the Cardiff Blues in the Magners League also in April.

The promising full-back fractured his leg in five places, dislocated and ruptured the ligaments in his ankle.

The return of the trio is a much-needed boost for the Dragons who are aiming to climb the Magners League table after a disappointing first half of the season.

The Rodney Parade outfit return to league action against Edinburgh on February 11 before crucial encounters against Aironi and Glasgow in consecutive weeks.