Dragons ask for early Owen return

Owen is not scheduled to return for another fortnight

Rodney Parade, Newport
Saturday, 24 September
Kick-off: 1730 BST
Live on Radio Ulster MW, Radio Cymru and S4C

The Dragons have asked the Welsh Rugby Union for permission to play Lions star Mike Owen against Ulster on Saturday.

The WRU say they will consider the request, but it is thought they are unlikely to agree as Wales' Lions are due to be rested for another fortnight.

Ulster centre Paul Steinmetz has a fractured jaw which could sideline him for four weeks at least.

Steinmetz took a knock during Friday's Celtic League victory over Edinburgh Gunners at Ravenhill.

The 28-year-old New Zealander will be further assessed later this week before the full extent of the damage is known.

Steinmetz will be out of action for four weeks at least

The loss of Steinmetz will be a blow to coach Mark McCall, who has seen his side race to the top of the league.

The Kiwi was consistently good last season, and has started off in the same fashion this August.

He would be one of the first names on the team sheet of McCall, who has a number of options to fill the void.

Jonny Bell, now back to full fitness after illness, or Adam Larkin, could fill the inside centre role.

McCall has also the option of moving young Andrew Trimble inside and re-instating Tyrone Howe to the left wing for the trip to the Dragons.

LAST SEASON'S LEAGUE MEETINGS 8 October: Ulster 21-28 Dragons 22 January: Dragons 13-11 Ulster

The Dragons have a number of injury problems, with fly-half Ceri Sweeney travelling to Leicester this week with Wales physio Mark Davies for a fresh assessment of his groin injury.

Nathan Brew, Richard Fussell and Chris Anthony will not return until next month, and Ian Gough is struggling with an eye injury.

Steve Jones and Peter Sidoli are expected to be available for the Rodney Parade tie, though.

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Dragons: tbc

Ulster: tbc

Referee: Malcolm Changleng (SRU)

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