THE Dragons' Guinness PRO14 clash with Benetton at Rodney Parade has fallen victim to Storm Dennis.

The region were set to welcome the Italians to Newport on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.35pm) but the fixture has been postponed because of fears for safety of supporters.

The Met Office have issued weather warnings for wind and rain, so a meeting was held at Rodney Parade on Thurday afternoon with input from the safety officer, the Dragons, Benetton, the PRO14 and Welsh Rugby Union.

With the visitors set to travel from Treviso tomorrow, an early decision was made by the PRO14 to push the game back to next month.

League chiefs have identified potential slots and will pick one in consultation with broadcasters Premier Sports.

South Wales Argus: The Dragons won't face Benetton this weekendThe Dragons won't face Benetton this weekend

The Dragons travel to Glasgow next Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm) and host the Cheetahs the following Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).

It is likely that they will now play during the scheduled fortnight off for the conclusion of the Six Nations, when Wales travel to England and host Scotland, before returning against Ulster on Friday, March 20.

One slot that can be ruled out is Saturday, March 7 – the day of the Twickenham fixture – because Newport County are hosting Morecambe in League Two.

“In the interests of supporter and staff safety, the Dragons versus Benetton Rugby fixture at Rodney Parade has been postponed due to the extreme weather conditions forecast,” read a club statement.

“The decision was made by tournament organisers PRO14 Rugby following consultation with club stakeholders, the Welsh Rugby Union and officials at Benetton Rugby.

“Match tickets for the game will be valid for the rearranged match. PRO14 Rugby and host broadcaster Premier Sports will identify a date to accommodate the rearranged fixture.

“Discussions between all parties are under way and PRO14 Rugby intends to confirm the rescheduled date as soon as possible.”

The Dragons will now go over a month without action because of the PRO14’s break for the start of the Six Nations.

Ryan’s men last played against Enisei-STM on January 17 when they secured a European Challenge Cup quarter-final against Bristol.

They take on Glasgow at Scotstoun Stadium next Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm) against a Warriors side that have a home fixture against Zebre tomorrow evening.

Wales had released flanker Taine Basham from their Six Nations squad for game time while speedsters Ashton Hewitt and Dafydd Howells and back row forwards Ollie Griffiths were set to make their returns from injury.

Storm Ciara caused sporting trouble last weekend with the Premier League game between Manchester City and West Ham postponed because of safety concerns in high winds while Scotland and England pushed their Women’s Six Nations fixture back from the Sunday to the Monday.

A number of Wales supporters had their Sunday returns from Dublin hit by travel cancellations.