NICK Crosswell is set to make a swift Newport Gwent Dragons debut as cover for Taulupe Faletau but the region are unlikely to see Ross Wardle again this season, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 28-year-old New Zealander, who can play across the back row, arrives in Wales this week after penning a long-term deal with the region.

He has been pencilled in to make his bow in the LV= Cup with Rodney Parade encounters looming against Exeter and London Welsh before the return of the Guinness Pro12.

The Dragons will lose Faletau to Six Nations duty after Saturday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup encounter with Stade Francais while the Lions ace will also be absent in the opening months of next season because of the World Cup.

And director of rugby Lyn Jones is hopeful that his new recruit can follow the lead of overseas signings Rynard Landman, Brok Harris and Boris Stankovich in making a big impact.

He said: “Nick is just what we are looking for. He is a man and a strong personality who can lead and be positive. We’ve got a lot of young boys here but you need some men around them when the going gets tough.

“Experience is a wonderful thing and Nick is a good age at 28 with four of five years ahead of him at the highest level and we intend to exploit that.

“He will also get the chance to bed in because it’s so difficult for new players to come in some time in July to try and be part of a team. We hope to get Nick with his feet under the table.”

While Crosswell provides a boost to the back row, the Dragons have suffered a blow in midfield with Wardle unlikely to be fit until the summer. The 23-year-old injured his shoulder against Bucharest in December and has undergone surgery.

However, Jones still has some selection headaches for Saturday’s European Rugby Challenge Cup clash with Stade Francais (kick-off 3pm).

Centre Ashley Smith (jaw), hooker Rhys Thomas (hip/groin) and lock Ian Gough (illness) are back in contention for the clash against the Parisians, although they may have to bide their time after the region’s impressive 40-29 win against Newcastle last weekend.

“It’s a big help having a bigger squad to select from, it raises the tempo in training and makes everybody a little bit sharper,” said Jones.

“We actually have to select a side rather than putting names onto paper to fill spots. We’ve got strong competition all over.”