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Keddie hands Dragons fitness boost

Back row dynamo Harri Keddie has handed Dragons a fitness boost by being declared ready for the trip to Ulster – but fellow back row Ollie Griffiths is ruled out of the clash in Belfast.

Ben Mottram | 23/10/2018

Former Wales Under-20 international Keddie has been out of action since injuring his bicep in pre-season. 

However, the 22-year-old has now returned to first team training and is set to play as Dragons head to Ireland to face Ulster Rugby at the Kingspan Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off 7.55pm).

“All going well he should start,” revealed Jackman. “He has trained well and it is a big boost to have him back, especially with some of our first choice back row away with Wales.

“Ollie (Griffiths) is out for the next few games. Thankfully Ollie is not as bad as we thought. He has been great for us so it is disappointing to lose him for the next two league games. 

“Harri being back is a big boost for us and we also have Nic Cudd who has had game time recently. Huw Taylor gives us options, playing back row or lock, plus we have the likes of Taine Basham, Ben Fry, Lennon Greggains and James Benjamin. 

“Harri had an unbelievable pre-season and he had some really good moments last year and injuries as well,” added Jackman.

“Our new members of staff, people like Ian Evans, were really blown away by him in pre-season so to injure his bicep was hard on him. 

“He’s been itching to play and we might have involved him last week. However, we gave him another week and I’m glad we did, given what has happened to Ollie.

“I’ve been impressed by his work-rate and he is incredibly relentless. Harri is incredibly fit, he pushes himself hard, he is consistent and is part of our leadership group. He has a big future.”

Meanwhile, Jackman has revealed centre Jack Dixon could come into contention while the region continues to monitor Jason Tovey.

“Jason looks sharp and we will look at him over the next few weeks.

“We will liaise with Cross Keys over next few weeks and see if it’s a possibility as a permit in. We need to find balance between helping them and giving Jason an opportunity.”

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