NEWPORT Gwent Dragons centre Dixon has revealed doctors told him his career was in the balance after the Wales hopeful suffered a serious kidney injury in pre-season.

The 21-year-old from Newbridge made his return in the European Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpellier a fortnight ago and, after starting against the Scarlets at Judgement Day last weekend, will wear 12 on his back in the Guinness Pro12 finale against Zebre.

But in August the bright prospect was facing an uncertain future after a seemingly innocuous blow in the friendly defeat to the Scarlets at Rodney Parade.

Dixon, in the week of being released from Wales’ World Cup training squad, went up for a high ball with flanker James Davies and received an accidental knee to his stomach.

“I went home after the game and felt really rough so went to hospital for scans then had a week in there on drips,” said Dixon.

“I spoke to the doctors and they said there was a chance I’d have to knock rugby on the head but I tried to stay positive and people around me, the boys at the Dragons, friends and family, kept my head up.

“When they said I couldn’t do any training or physical activity I went back to college on a plastering and tiling course to fill my time rather than bumming around the house but rugby-wise it came to a standstill.

“It was career-threatening and the doctors told me it was the equivalent of having a car crash with a grade four kidney tear so I am just happy to be out there.

“It’s just nice to be back involved and Montpellier was a nice game to jump straight back into.”

South Wales Argus:

The timing of the injury couldn’t have been worse.

Dixon had impressed the Wales management at the gruelling camps in Switzerland, Qatar and Colwyn Bay then the uncapped centre watched the national side endure a midfield injury crisis during the World Cup.

But he doesn’t have thoughts of breaking back into the international set-up at present – he just wants to enjoy his rugby.

“I had a big pre-season with the Welsh squad and had high hopes for the season but there’s nothing I can do about it now, I’ve just to go get on with it and look forward to the next one,” said Dixon, who thanked Bedwas for helping him get back to fitness in the Principality Premiership.

“I am never going to moan about training again! It makes you realise how lucky we all are to be here and I will make the most of the opportunity.

“Some of the boys are happy that a long season is almost over but for me it’s just getting going.

“I’ll just have to make the most of this last game, have a few weeks off then get back into pre-season – I can’t wait to get back into it.”