ROSS Moriarty faces a race against time to be fit for the Dragons’ return to top tier European competition after being released from Wales’ squad for the Autumn Nations Cup.

The back row forward has not featured this autumn after suffering an ankle injury in camp.

The 26-year-old played against Zebre in the Guinness PRO14 before reporting for Test duty.

The abrasive 45-times capped forward was injured for the France friendly and Six Nations finale against Scotland.

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Moriarty was closing in on a return for the Autumn Nations Cup opener against Ireland only to suffer another blow.

The Dragons open their Champions Cup campaign against Wasps at Rodney Parade on Saturday, December 12 before travelling to Bordeaux-Begles.

Those tough assignments are then followed by a trio of festive Guinness PRO14 derbies against Cardiff Blues, the Scarlets and Ospreys.

The Dragons then return to Europe to finish the group stages of the Champions Cup before the planned start of the Six Nations.