 Martyn Thomas is stretchered off at Rodney Parade on Friday |
Newport Gwent Dragons have endured a double blow as full-back Martyn Thomas is set for a lengthy lay-off as forward Hoani MacDonald is set to leave. Thomas suffered an ankle injury in Friday's 20-14 Magners League defeat by Cardiff Blues and will undergo surgery. And experienced New Zealander MacDonald is expected to join new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels. Thomas will miss the Dragons' final game this season - and any possible play-off - but will return next term. "It's devastating for Martyn," said coach Paul Turner. Reports in Australia say ex-Highlanders skipper MacDonald, a second-row or back-row forward who joined the Dragons in 2008, is to join Wales number eight Gareth Delve at the new Australian team. BBC Sport Wales understands the Dragons have not offered MacDonald a contract extension, leaving him free to join the Rebels.  | Martyn has been a star for us this season and we'll need him next season Dragons coach Paul Turner |
Turner hopes Thomas returns fit next season and regains the form that has helped him become a Wales contender. Turner said: "I know Thomas has been in impressing the Welsh selectors at the moment and you can't fault his commitment." Play was halted for almost 10 minutes as Thomas received on-field treatment for the second-half injury. The incident happened as the full-back led an attack deep in the Blues' 22 while the Dragons unsuccessfully attempted to fight back - although the Rodney Parade region did earn a bonus point. | 606: DEBATE |
Turner added: "Thomas has had a bit of a shoulder problem since Christmas. "He was due to go in for an op on his shoulder on Monday and he's obviously gone in now for an op on his ankle. "It looked a bad one and my thoughts go out to him. Martyn has been a star for us this season and we'll need him next season." The defeat leaves the Dragons facing an uphill battle to make the league's inaugural play-offs with one game left of the regular season on the weekend of May 7-9 at the Ospreys.
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