Dlamini's Dragons spell over as Coleman returns

Cebo Dlamini's short spell at Dragons is over after the South African prop had surgery on his right foot.

The tight-head signed for the Rodney Parade club in December to cover for injuries to Wales internationals Chris Coleman and Dillon Lewis.

Dlamini, who captained Griquas to Currie Cup success before moving to Wales, made six appearances off the bench and started the Challenge Cup defeat by Benetton.

He has had an operation and will miss the rest of the season for Dragons, whose final game of the United Rugby Championship (URC) is on 16 May.

"We are disappointed for him because he really did well when we were in a tight spot. To lose him is a blow but it gives opportunities to others," said forwards coach Sam Hobbs.

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Dlamini came on to replace Robert Hunt in the second minute of the last-gasp URC loss at Ospreys last month, when he was shown what proved to be a costly late yellow card for a high tackle.

Hunt suffered a hamstring injury at Brewery Field that required surgery and the South African is unlikely to play again in 2025-26.

Wales prop Coleman returns

Lewis remains on the comeback trail from a calf injury but Coleman is poised to make a timely return against Benetton in Newport on Saturday (17:30 GMT).

The prop has been side-lined since suffering a hamstring injury for Wales against South Africa at the end of November.

"Chris has done really well for us over the last three or four seasons and has matured as a prop," said former loose-head Hobbs.

"Everyone says that props take a bit longer to come through and we have seen him playing back-to-back games to break into the Wales squad.

"He has worked really hard in rehab and conditioning to get back and we are looking forward to him making his return."

Luke Yendle was sent to get game time with Harlequins in the Prem Rugby Cup and was pulled out of last weekend's fixture at Leicester after Dlamini's operation.

Owain James, 20, made a pair of brief appearances off the bench at the end of last year and has been getting experience with Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru.

Former Wales loose-head prop Wyn Jones has also previously been an emergency tight-head and last switched sides for Scarlets in 2023.

Dragons are bidding to win five straight games at Rodney Parade for the first time since between December 2019 and February 2020.