Dragons to manage Wales prop Brown's game time
Prop Leon Brown has played 24 internationals for Wales
- Published
Dragons will manage the workload of Wales prop Leon Brown following his return to action in last weekend's pre-season defeat against Bath.
Following an injury-affected few seasons, Brown made his first appearance since January and is line to play against Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship (URC) season home opener on Saturday.
Wales coach Warren Gatland will be an interested observer in Brown's return given his lack of resources at tight-head prop, but Dragons head coach Dai Flanagan says the 27-year-old will be phased back in.
"Leon will play a couple, have a week off, play a couple, have a week off," said Flanagan.
"We have a plan for Leon and the best-case scenario is that it is followed, but we will adapt it if needs be.
"It was just so nice to see Leon back against Bath and he is looking unbelievable. He has sacrificed certain things to give his body time and get it right.
"He has sometimes returned too early through being loyal and trying to do what is best for everyone else.
"It's great we have all aligned to do what is best for Leon."
Wales duo miss Ospreys opener
Dragons also need Brown fit following the shock retirement of Lloyd Fairbrother, with Flanagan admitting they are trying to sign a replacement.
Dmitri Arhip is still managing a knee problem, while Chris Coleman is also sidelined, leaving Luke Yendle and academy novice Owain James as options.
Wales forwards Elliot Dee and Taine Basham will miss the season opener at Rodney Parade because of injury, while talismanic number eight Aaron Wainwright has a longer-term hamstring problem.
Dee is yet to return after missing Wales' summer tour of Australia because of an ankle problem, while Basham's pre-season preparations have been affected by niggling injuries.