Dragons flanker out of action

Nov 11 2007 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

DRAGONS flanker Dan Lydiate looks set to be ruled out for up to six months following a neck injury.

The promising 19-year-old was today still in a French hospital after he was stretchered off the field during the Welsh region’s Heineken Cup loss at Perpignan.

Lydiate strained neck ligaments and bruised a disk in his neck in the brave 23-19 loss at Stade Aime Giral on Friday night.

Last night the Dragons were still waiting for the result of tests before deciding when he would return home, though it is unclear how long he will be out of action.

Dragons chief executive Gethin Jenkins has remained in France with Lydiate who had failed to recover in time to travel home with the rest of the squad.

Jenkins said: “Dan is well and sat up in his bed but it is unclear yet when he can travel.

“We’re waiting for the results of tests at the hospital before making a decision but he is in good hands.

“We don’t know how long he will be out yet but it could be some time.

“We will have to wait and see. It’s very unfortunate for him after such a great start to the season.”

It capped a frustrating trip to the south of France for the Dragons who were left to rue the mistakes that denied them one of the biggest upsets in Heineken Cup history.

Turner’s men out-scored their rivals three tries to two on the way to a hard-earned bonus point.

Turner said: “We had a chance to make some history for the Welsh regions over here.

“Not many teams do well here, but we made too many mistakes at crucial times.

“We came over here knowing we could beat these guys, but it wasn’t to be.

“Michael Owen, Richard Parks and Colin Charvis were outstanding, and there were a lot of positives to take out of this.”

Wales backrow Owen added: “Sometimes, we build up these French sides beforehand, but we have got a lot of good players at the Dragons and we occasionally under-rate ourselves.

“We have to move away from that and say we are a good side. We proved we can compete at this level.”