Dane Blacker heads to Dragons on loan

Academy scrum-half Dane Blacker will link up with Welsh Pro14 rivals Dane Blacker on a short-term loan to cover injuries at Rodney Parade.

The 19-year-old goes straight onto the Dragons bench for their game away at Ulster on Friday night, ready for what will be his first Pro14 appearance if he gets on to the pitch.

Blacker has come through the Cardiff Blues academy system after graduating the Pontypridd schools system, returning to Sardis Road as a Premiership player for Ponty at the back end of last season and the start of this campaign.

In that time he has also made three Anglo-Welsh Cup appearances, had a number of British and Irish Cup outings, and appeared in the Premiership Singha 7’s, earning rave reviews for his out-and-out pace.

With 10 Wales U20 caps to his name he has plenty of experience at all levels of the pathway, and is thought of highly in the Cardiff Blues and national age grade set ups.

Now, with Tavis Knoyle and Charlie Davies both out injured for Dragons, and Sarel Pretorious only just returning to fitness, he has a chance to further his development to the East of Wales.

As Cardiff Blues head coach Danny Wilson said: “We currently have Lloyd, Tomos, Lewis and Dane all fit and competing for one starting position.

“This was a good opportunity to give a young player first team exposure in the PRO14. The experience will undoubtedly benefit Dane in his development and that will in turn benefit Cardiff Blues.”

It is expected Blacker will return to the Arms Park by the end of next month, and will feature for Cardiff Blues in November’s Anglo-Welsh Cup games.