Dragons sign Sale hooker Austin to face Leinster

Will Austin played a game for Ospreys on loan in 2024-25

United Rugby Championship: Dragons v Leinster

Venue: Rodney Parade Date: Friday, 28 November Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Sport online

Dragons have signed former Wales Under-20s international Will Austin on a short-term deal amid a crisis at hooker for their game against Leinster.

The 21-year-old has been brought in from Sale Sharks for Friday's United Rugby Championship (URC) fixture against champions Leinster because Oli Burrows is their only available hooker.

Brodie Coghlan has been named on the Wales bench for Saturday's Test against South Africa and Elliot Dee, James Benjamin and Sam Scarfe are injured.

Burrows, 23, is in line to make just his second professional start – and first at Rodney Parade – against Leinster with Austin drafted in to be cover on the bench.

The front-row forward, who came through the ranks at Colwyn Bay and was captain of Swansea University's BUCS Super Rugby side, made an appearance as a replacement for Ospreys against Leinster as a loanee in February.

Head Coach Filo Tiatia said: "It's great to welcome Will to the club.

"We thank Sale Sharks for their support with this loan agreement and wish Will every success during his time with us."

Dragons are without their Wales contingent of Coghlan, number eight Aaron Wainwright, lock Ben Carter, tight-head prop Chris Coleman and wing Rio Dyer and also have a considerable injury list.

Tiatia is forced to name Cai Evans, a full-back by trade who has played for Wales - but who is yet to score a professional try - on the wing against Leinster.

Tonga centre Fine Inisi suffered a cut to his head against Scotland last week so is not risked with David Richards getting the nod at outside centre.

Wing Evans, loose-head prop Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths and hooker Burrows make their first starts of the season while debutant Austin, tight-head prop Owain James and wing or full-back Ewan Rosser are set for first appearances of the campaign off the bench.

Leinster opt against giving a swift return to any of their Ireland contingent, but include lock RG Snyman on the bench after he won his 50th South Africa cap in Dublin last weekend.

Back-row forward Josh Ericson is poised for a debut off the bench for the champions, who lost two games in the first block of the URC.

How they line up

Dragons: O'Brien (capt); C Evans, Richards, Owen, Anderson; De Beer, R Williams; Kelleher-Griffiths, Burrows, Hunt, S Davies, Screech, Woodman, Young, Martin.

Replacements: Austin, W Jones, James, Douglas, Lewis-Hughes, Armstrong, Westwood, E Rosser.

Leinster: J O'Brien; Kenny, Cooney, Frawley, Larmour; H Byrne, Gunne; Boyle, G McCarthy, Clarkson, Deeny, Mangan, Soroka, Penny, Deegan (capt).

Replacements: McKee, Cahir, Slimani, Snyman, Ericson, L McGrath, Tector, Moloney.

Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)

Assistant: Craig Evans (Wales) and Lucas Yendle (Wales)

TMO: Chris Allison (South Africa)