NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Andrew Coombs is targeting a mid-September return after going under the knife this summer.

The Wales international had another operation on the knee that he injured in the European Rugby Challenge Cup quarter-final victory against Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade in April.

That blow to his knee cap, suffered after falling awkwardly at a lineout, ended the 30-year-old's season and he went back under the knife at the Royal Gwent Hospital last month.

However, the 10-times capped forward should be back early on in the campaign to provide lock options along with captain Rynard Landman, Cory Hill, Matthew Screech and young prospect Joe Davies.

Coombs is aiming to be back in contention in mid-September and that would mean missing just two fixtures as the Guinness Pro12 takes a fortnight break for the start of the World Cup before returning on October 3 when England 2015 reaches the knockout stages.

The Dragons will be boosted by the returns of centres Pat Leach and Ross Wardle, wing Aled Brew, flanker Lewis Evans and hooker Elliot Dee after they missed the second half of the 2014/15 campaign through injury.

The fitness of Leach and Wardle will be particularly welcome at the start of the new season given that young centres Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan are currently with Wales and are attempting to force their way into Warren Gatland's World Cup squad.

The Dragons have also bolstered their midfield options with the signing of Adam Warren from the Scarlets and by giving a professional deal to Ebbw Vale's South African Carl Meyer, who can play inside centre as well as fly-half and full-back.

The Rodney Parade side made a sluggish start to the 2014/15 campaign with the major cause being crippling injuries in midfield and the second row.

Brew, Leach and Wardle made a combined total of 21 appearances and are set provide much-needed options behind the scrum.

"It's good that we have players coming back and we need to make sure they come back from long-term injuries and don't slip back," said director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"We are in better shape this summer but the secret to a successful campaign is coping with injuries.

"It was challenging last season with so many injuries early on, especially with them being to our centres and locks."