DRAGONS flanker Lennon Greggains’ hopes of a breakthrough season have been shattered by injury.

The 20-year-old Wales Under-20s prospect, who can play blindside and openside, ruptured knee ligaments in last week’s Celtic Cup opener against Connacht in Galway.

Greggains has had a scan and is waiting for the prognosis from a specialist but he is set to be sidelined for most of the upcoming campaign.

The back rower from Newport had been looking to push on with the seniors this season after being given a taste of professional rugby over the past two seasons.

South Wales Argus:

He made his debut against Ulster at Ravenhill in September, 2017 and caught the eye against the Irish province after coming on in the opening exchanges at Rodney Parade in March.

Greggains also featured against the Ospreys and was taken on the tour to South Africa at the end of the campaign, impressing the coaching team.

He featured in the World Rugby U20 Championship and was looking to mirror his fellow bright prospect Taine Basham in putting the heat on the more experienced Dragons back row forwards.

However, he will now look on as 19-year-old Basham, 20-year-old Ben Fry and 21-year-old Max Williams battle with Ross Moriarty, Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths, Harrison Keddie, Lewis Evans, James Benjamin and Huw Taylor.

Nic Cudd is also on the comeback trail after rupturing knee ligaments in training in February with the influential openside targeting a return in the New Year.