Gavin Henson faces late fitness test

Former Welsh star Gavin Henson faces a fitness battle to make the season opener against Treviso on Saturday.

Dragons could face a halfback deficit as flyhalf Henson and scrumhalves Tavis Knoyle and Rhodri Davies all have late fitness tests ahead of the Guinness PRO14 league opener with Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade on Saturday (KO 7.35pm).

The 36-year-old managed 15 appearances and scored 98 points for the Dragons last season despite facing a number of injury setbacks throughout the campaign.

Henson joined the Dragons in the summer of 2017, after signing a two-year deal to return to Wales from Bristol RFC.

The British and Irish Lion, who toured in 2005 to New Zealand, achieved Grand slams with Wales in the Six Nations Championship in 2005 and 2008.

The versatile back can play as flyhalf, fullback or inside centre.

Head Coach Bernard Jackman has named an extended 27-man squad that features summer signings Richard Hibbard, Ryan Bevington, Rhys Lawrence, Brandon Nansen, Rhodri Williams, Josh Lewis, Dafydd Howells, Jordan Williams and Rhodri Davies.

Henson, Knoyle and Rhodri Davies will all be monitored before the team is finalised later this week.

Aaron Jarvis, Harrison Keddie, Ashton Hewitt and Jared Rosser all miss the opening league game of the season through injury.

Dragons Squad: Brok Harris, Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee, Rhys Lawrence, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Joe Davies, Cory Hill, Brandon Nansen, Ollie Griffiths, Lewis Evans, Aaron Wainwright, Rhodri Davies, Rhodri Williams, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Gavin Henson, Daffyd Howells, Adam Warren, Jordan Williams, Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Zane Kirchner, Huw Taylor