FORMER Newport Gwent Dragons back row forward Ieuan Jones has joined the Ospreys, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 21-year-old from Aberbargoed head to the Liberty Stadium on a one-month loan from Cardiff Blues after finding chances hard to come by following his summer move to the capital.

The former Wales Under-20s back row forward has answered the Ospreys’ SOS after they faced the prospect of being without a number eight for their Guinness Pro12 clash with Connacht on Friday.

Former Dragons star Joe Bearman and ex-Pontypool forward Morgan Allen have both been ruled out with long-term injuries suffered in last weekend’s Champions Cup loss at Northampton while Dan Baker and James King are with the Wales squad.

Allen sustained what has been described by his region’s medical performance manager Chris Towers as “significant ligament damage” while Bearman suffered a groin tendon injury.

Both players have undergone scans to reveal the extent of their injuries and will meet with specialists later this week to discuss treatment, but Towers confirmed that both are looking at lengthy spells on the sidelines.

The Ospreys are already without Tyler Ardron and Olly Cracknell (both ankle) and Tom Smith (knee) so have looked to find extra cover from outside of the squad.

Rugby manager Andrew Millward said: “We are clearly light on numbers going into a very important month of rugby with some very tough fixtures ahead.

“Because of that, we’ve had no option other than to bring in someone on loan and are grateful to the Blues for allowing Ieuan to join us for a month.

“He’s a ball carrier with considerable experience for his age and we are looking forward to seeing him taking this opportunity and making an impact in an Ospreys shirt.”

Jones made 32 appearances for the Dragons and scored five tries but had few opportunities last season after finding his route to the first team blocked by the considerable frames of Taulupe Faletau and Netani Talei.