Dragons full-back Talbot-Davies targets cup clash at Bristol

The full-back feared a lengthy lay-off after dislocating his right wrist in the Guinness PRO14 win against the Ospreys at Rodney Parade on January 4.

Talbot-Davies, who was eyeing a run in the XV in the absence of Jordan Williams, was prepared for the bad news that he needed an operation.

However, the 22-year-old Wales 7s international instead got a good prognosis and could now be back in March.

"It was good news to know I don't need surgery. I went up to Leeds to see a specialist and was told the joint is stable, which is as good as it could have gone," said Talbot-Davies.

"It's a big positive for me and now it is all about the rehabilitation and getting back fully fit and back involved as soon as I possibly can.

"The wrist is still a bit stiff, mainly because I was in a cast for a few weeks, but gradually I will get the range of motion back and can strengthen it up.

"A massive thanks to the supporters for the messages of support since my injury. It's great to see that kind of thing on Twitter, it gives you that lift and positivity during what can be a negative time."

There is an opening at full-back because the livewire Williams is out until next season with serious knee ligament damage.

Dafydd Howells, who has also prospered from a rapid recovery after an elbow injury, is frontrunner to be at 15 in next Saturday's PRO14 clash with Benetton in Newport.

But Talbot-Davies has the carrot of playing knockout European rugby for the first time with the mouth-watering trip to Ashton Gate to face Bristol on Sunday, April 5 (kick-off 12.45pm).

"The European quarter-final is a game that we all want to be a part of, with just a short trip over the bridge to face Bristol. It will be some afternoon," he said.

"There is also plenty to play for in the Guinness PRO14 and if we have a successful February we could be in the mix to move up the conference. A few wins and you never know where we could end up.

"We're not writing off this second half of the season at all. There is plenty to play for on all fronts and my target is to be a part of that. It's an exciting a few months ahead."

He is hunting a strong run-in after being denied the chance to establish himself in Dean Ryan's team.

Talbot-Davies, born in High Wycombe and picked up by the Dragons through the Welsh Exiles programme, made his regional debut aged 19 in 2016.

He has made 25 Dragons appearances and earned the praise of director of rugby Ryan before his injury misfortune.

"I was enjoying my rugby so it was a shame that I picked up the injury when I did," said Talbot-Davies.

"I was actually already in hospital when the boys fought back brilliantly against the Ospreys. I was following the game on my phone and it was awesome to get the win.

"We've also qualified for the European Challenge Cup quarter-finals too and it is disappointing to miss those couple of big games.

"I was delighted to get a run of games at full back so hopefully I can get back as soon as possible and look to string some more together before the end of the campaign."