Angus O'Brien: Dragons back ruled out for at least two months with broken arm

Angus O'Brien is helped off against Munster in his 88th appearance for the Dragons.

Dragons have received an injury blow with back Angus O'Brien ruled out for at least two months with a broken arm.

The fly-half or full-back suffered the injury during the 45-14 United Rugby Championship defeat to Munster in Cork.

O'Brien, 29, has been used as a 10 this season and it leaves Cai Evans and Will Reed as coach Dai Flanagan's fly-half options until at least the new year.

"It's a huge shame for Angus, he is hardly ever injured and is an important player for us," said Flanagan.

"It's an opportunity for others. Will gets a chance now and Cai Evans will be there to play full-back and 10. We need players to put their hands up."

After the departures of JJ Hanrahan and Sam Davies at the end of last season, Dragons are looking light at fly-half with Reed the only specialist option.

Flanagan insists he is not looking at reinforcements yet as he his hampered by financial constraints.

Centres Steff Evans and Aneurin Owen are emergency options within the squad, while Newport's Jack Lloyd is impressing in the Welsh Premiership.

'Budget restraints'

"We have planned for this," said Flanagan.

"We know our budgetary constraints and unfortunately we only have a small amount of money we can spend.

"We knew we would lose one of them for a period of time, we didn't want to lose one for so long.

"If we were to do anything else I have to go and ask the board for a favour. As we stand, we have budget restraints and we have to make sure we can plan ahead with what we have got.

"Ten is a specialist and critical position. If we get another injury, it becomes a priority then. We have planned for it, we just have to keep our heads down and get on with it."

Props Rodrigo Martinez and Leon Brown remain on the sidelines with calf injuries but back row Ollie Griffiths is nearing a return.

Dragons will have seven Wales internationals back for the visit of Leinster on Sunday after Evans, Rio Dyer, Elliot Dee, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ben Carter, Dan Lydiate and Aaron Wainwright were involved in Wales' 49-26 win in the uncapped international against the Barbarians in Cardiff last weekend.

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