Dragons hooker Dee faces Wales fitness race

Dragons hooker Elliot Dee has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from an ankle injury and faces a race to prove his fitness for Wales’ autumn international series.

Dee, 30, was Wales’ first choice hooker during the Six Nations but missed the summer Tests against South Africa and Australia.

He was expected to return just after the start of this season but his comeback has been delayed.

“Elliot has had a clean out last week so is still a few weeks away yet,” said head coach Dai Flanagan.

“We are planning for him to be available in this block but we have to make sure it’s right.”

Wales have three autumn internationals in November when they face Fiji, Australia and South Africa in Cardiff.

Wales play Fiji on 10 November before tackling the Wallabies seven days later, with world champions South Africa arriving at the Principality Stadium on 23 November.

Head coach Warren Gatland is due to name his squad on 21 October.

Dragons host Benetton two days before that date and then travel to face Connacht on 26 October with those two games the last occasions Dee will have to prove his match fitness.

Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake captained Wales in Australia with young Cardiff front-row duo Evan Lloyd and Efan Daniel also in the travelling party, after Dee’s injury and the decision to rest Ryan Elias.

Number eight Aaron Wainwright could return towards the end of October from the hamstring problem he suffered while playing for Wales against Australia in July.

Dragons host Sharks this Saturday in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with Wales back row Taine Basham set to return from tendonitis issues.

The debut of new Dragons’ number eight summer signing Solomone Funaki is set to be delayed with the Tongan back rower expected to be absent until November because of a knee problem, while lock George Nott will also miss the next couple of months.