Long lay-off for Dragons prop Hunt after surgery

Dragons prop Rob Hunt is helped from the field after an injury against OspreysHuw Evans Picture Agency

Prop Rob Hunt played for Cheetahs in the Currie Cup and European Challenge Cup

Dragons tight-head prop Rob Hunt is unlikely to play again this season after having surgery on his left hamstring.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury just 44 seconds into the United Rugby Championship (URC) defeat by Ospreys at Brewery Field at the end of last month.

The South African, who was legally cleared out while jackaling at a ruck, had an operation on Tuesday.

Paul Cremin, Dragons head of medical services, said: "The surgeon was pleased with the outcome of the operation and Robert will now commence his rehabilitation process over an extended period of time."

Dragons have three months left of the 2025-26 season with their final game of the URC against Scarlets in Llanelli on 16 May.

It looks unlikely that Hunt will play again this season after an impressive start to life at Rodney Parade.

The South African had been a firm fixture in Filo Tiatia's side since his move from Cheetahs last summer and has featured in 13 of 15 fixtures, 11 of them as a starter.

Dragons are already without Wales international Dillon Lewis, who has been sidelined since October because of an injury to his right calf.

However, Chris Coleman is close to a return from the hamstring injury he suffered in the autumn international against South Africa.

He is targeting a comeback in the 28 February fixture against Benetton in the URC.

South African Cebo Dlamini, who signed on a short-term contract in December after captaining Griquas to Currie Cup success, is the other option.

Luke Yendle, who started at Perpignan in the Challenge Cup, is currently getting game time with Harlequins in the Premiership Cup and Owain James is with Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru.