Joe is Dragons’ loan star

DRAGONS have bolstered their midfield options with the signing of young Ospreys centre Joe Thomas on loan.

The Rodney Parade side have been decimated by injuries in recent weeks and coach Bernard Jackman has spoken at length about the need for extensive recruitment in the longer term.

Thomas, 21, has represented Wales at age-grade level and made his Ospreys debut against Gloucester in the Anglo-Welsh Cup back in 2015.

The Ospreys believe the move will benefit Thomas, who has featured widely for Aberavon as well, in helping him to get more experience of senior rugby.

Dan Griffiths, elite development nanager at the Ospreys, said: “The Dragons are looking for cover in midfield after a number of injuries recently and it’s a good opportunity for Joe to gain experience and show what he can do at this level, so it’s a loan that makes sense for everybody.

“Joe is a promising young player who we’ll be keeping a close eye on while he is away from our environment, and we are expecting to see him thriving while at the Dragons.”

Meanwhile, Jackman expressed his gratitude to the Ospreys.

The former Ireland hooker said: “I am grateful to Steve Tandy and the Ospreys for helping us out during this difficult period with injuries and loaning us Joe.”