Nick Macleod: Newport Gwent Dragons fly-half out for two months

Newport Gwent Dragons signed Nick Macleod from Sale Sharks in March 2016

Newport Gwent Dragons fly-half Nick Macleod is to have ankle surgery and faces two months out.

The 33-year-old picked up the injury during the 35-17 defeat in the Pro12 Welsh derby against Ospreys last Saturday.

Dragons forwards coach Ceri Jones said Macleod's injury would give an opportunity for other players to impress.

"You're going to have injuries," Jones said.

"We've got Arwel (Robson) and Angus (O'Brien) and it's a big opportunity for them. We've got Rhys (Jones) as well and it's up to them now to come in and do a good job."

Jones added: "Angus is maturing nicely. There's a lot to admire about his game and I'm a big fan of him and Arwel and Rhys gives us that experience and kicking game of his."

Dragons have been given a boost with hooker Elliott Dee and fly-half Dorian Jones expected to return within weeks.

Dee, 22, is back in full training following surgery on an ankle injury he picked up in pre-season against Cardiff Blues.

"He's cleared for next week so whether we look to get him a game out in the region or play him in the Anglo-Welsh Cup (against Leicester) we'll look at that depending on how he does in training," added Jones.

"He's an enthusiastic young man so we have to put the reins on him a bit."

Fly-half Jones, 24, who has not featured this season, is returning from groin surgery and Jones said:"We're hoping to see him back relatively soon depending on how the recovery goes.

"It'll be weeks rather than months and fingers crossed it'll be as soon as his body allows really."