One of Wales' key performers in their recent surge to the U20 Summer Series final is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.
Morgan Lloyd had attracted interest from the English Championship during the recent tournament in Italy after a series of impressive displays, including a particularly strong effort against Georgia when his kicking and all-round game-control led to coach Byron Hayward describing him as “outstanding”.
The youngster from Blackwood had gone into the competition without a formal contract with his home region the Dragons.
His preference has always been to secure a deal with the east Walians and hopes remain high that he will be part of the Rodney Parade scene in 2022-23.
But he won't be playing over the rest of the year, with Lloyd sustaining a significant shoulder injury in the Summer Series final against South Africa, a bump that is set to put the 19-year-old off limits until January.
He will hope to return as good as new and build on his efforts for Wales U20s.
The youngster who models his game on Faf de Klerk had an excellent summer tournament as he bossed matches and guided Hayward's side around the field with pinpoint kicking that helped the Welsh youngsters execute their coach's game-plans.
His displays attracted attention from the English Championship but Lloyd looks more than likely to stay in the Dragons' system.
For the rest of the year, however, he'll have to play an extended game of patience.
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