Dragons could be without prop Rhys Thomas on Wales duty

Newport Gwent Dragons are likely to be missing several leading players if they need a play-off to try and secure a place in next season's Heineken Cup.

The Dragons sit last of the four Welsh sides in the Magners League and face the prospect of a play-off in Italy.

The Italian championship semi-finals do not finish until the end of May.

Wales prop Rhys Thomas is likely to be on tour in South Africa, while out of contract players such as Michael Owen could have left the Dragons by then.

Assuming the Dragons do not manage to overhaul the Ospreys, Scarlets or Blues but stay ahead of the last Irish province, they will face the third-placed Italian club.

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The most probable date for a play-off is on 7 June, the same day as Wales' first Test against South Africa in Bloemfontein.

The Dragons faced a similar problem last season but were able to hold their play-off in mid-May, beating Calvisano 22-15 at Rodney Parade helped by Wales squad players who then left for the tour to Australia.

Meanwhile, the region is still negotiating with a number of New Zealand-based players after coach Paul Turner and chief executive Gethin Jenkins went there last week.

The pair held face to face talks with five players and are considering several other options as they look to strengthen the Dragons squad for next season.