Joe Bearman moved from Cornish Pirates to the Dragons in 2005

The Dragons have admitted Joe Bearman's long-standing groin injury could be career-threatening.

The 31-year-old flanker, who qualified for Wales last year, has been injury-hit for the last 12 months.

"It does [sound career threatening]. It is a concern, that is for sure," said Dragons coach Paul Turner.

"He has been to see a lot of people regarding it. I think he's possibly out for the next three or four weeks. It's unfortunate."

Bearman has been at Rodney Parade since his 2005 move from the Cornish Pirates and he completed a three-year residential qualification last season.

His early form last season before injury struck pushed him in to the Wales reckoning and he is currently getting treated by the Wales medical team, including physiotherapist Mark Davies.

And the hope is Bearman will play again soon despite the fears over the nagging injury, which was originally a serious tear to his adductor muscle.

606: DEBATE Give your reaction to Joe Bearman's injury problems

"We have been told it's improving again," added Turner.

"We will just have to wait and see. It's a tough one with Joe because we miss him but we just have to get on without him.

"He played six games for us last season and he started this season and he's had problems with it again.

"The fact that we have bolstered up our back-row department this season it hasn't really affected us but a fit Joe Bearman is a quality player and the sooner he gets back the better."

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