Dragons centre Aneurin Owen has been ruled out for the remainder of the season because of the injury he sustained playing against Munster in the United Rugby Championship.
The highly-rated youngster fractured an ankle during his side’s heavy defeat at Thomond Park at the weekend.
Owen has been booked for surgery next week before starting his rehabilitation and recovery process.
It is a heavy blow for the Dragons, who haven’t won a match since October and were thrashed 64-3 by Munster in Limerick.
And it is a particular setback for former Wales U20s star Owen.
The 21-year-old was attached to the senior Wales squad last summer without taking the field in the Tests against Canada and Argentina.
A Dragons statement said: "Centre Aneurin Owen will miss the rest of this season after suffering a fractured ankle in the URC fixture with Munster.
"Owen will undergo surgery next week and has asked the region to pass on his thanks to supporters for their messages of support."
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He is exceptionally well regarded, with the Dragons academy product blessed with both skill and on-pitch intelligence.
His absence will deepen the problems for Dean Ryan's team, who have won just one game all season.
