Dean Ryan has vowed he will not rush hooker Richard Hibbard back into action – and revealed the region are talking to Wales about Elliot Dee’s potential return to action.
Hibbard has not featured for the region since the New Year victory over Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14 after suffering a neck injury.
And Ryan believes Hibbard can be a major player in the closing months of the season if he is managed correctly with his recovery.
“We will keep him rested for a bit longer – we’ve got an agreement that he is going to go really well at the end of the season,” smiled Ryan.
“We’re talking with Wales about whether we can integrate with Elliot to be back. We will wait and see what that looks like and then make some decisions.
“If I am honest, I think Hibbz could probably do with a couple more weeks. Then we will get the best out of him at the end of the year.
“What I don’t want to do is rush something and then we are compromised at the tail end of the year.
“We have a lot of games still to go so we will probably make a conservative decision around him.
“We could probably play him and he is desperate to play and is training all the time and trying to catch my eye.
“If we can get a couple more weeks we will get the best out of him. He is a huge player for us, had huge impact at the start of the year. There is no point rushing for the sake of one weekend.”
Meanwhile, Ryan has confirmed prop Brok Harris will have surgery this week on a pectoral muscle that will likely end his involvement this season.
Dragons are back in action on Friday evening when we face Benetton Rugby in a re-arranged Guinness PRO14 clash at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.35pm). Please note, ALL original match tickets remain valid. To buy tickets for the fixture call 01633 674990 or click HERE
He is a huge player for us, had huge impact at the start of the year... There is no point rushing him for the sake of one weekend...
