NEWPORT Gwent Dragons loosehead Luke Garrett has joined the Scarlets on loan until December.

The 21-year-old from Tredegar has headed west to provide the Llanelli side with more propping cover while Wales international Rob Evans is out with a wrist injury.

Veteran loosehead Phil John left the Scarlets at the end of last season, leaving Dylan Evans and Wyn Jones to share the duties in their loss to Munster on the opening weekend of the Guinness Pro12.

Garrett has made four Dragons appearances and made his debut against the Scarlets at Judgement Day in 2015.

The former Wales Under-20s international is currently behind summer signings Sam Hobbs and Tom Davies, who made their debuts in Friday’s Guinness Pro12 defeat to Ulster in Belfast, in the pecking order.

Phil Price is on the comeback trail from a shoulder injury after having an impressive 2015/16 while Keagan Bale, 20, is also on the books and performed well in pre-season.

The hope is that Garrett can get more experience of senior rugby out west to come back to push his way into the first-team fold at Rodney Parade.

“We are happy to cooperate with the Scarlets and assist them in their current situation,” said head coach Kingsley Jones.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Luke to gain experience, which will benefit the Dragons in the long term.

“The Dragons are well served at loosehead with new signings Sam Hobbs and Tom Davies available, plus Phil Price is due to return from injury shortly. “However should an issue arise there is a facility to recall Luke to the Dragons squad.”