Will Rowlands: Dragons unable to prevent Wales lock's exit amid financial uncertainty

Wales lock Rowlands is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with Bath. Rowland joined Dragons from Wasps in 2021 to pursue Wales honours. He is currently sidelined by a shoulder injury suffered in the national team's only autumn win, against Argentina, on 12 November. Flanagan is in South Africa where Dragons hope to bounce back from last weekend's United Rugby Championship defeat by Lions. They face an arguably tougher test at Stormers on Saturday. Dragons return to Lions on 10 December in their European Challenge Cup opener.

Flanagan wants to build a reputation in Welsh rugby where people want to come and play. He has empathy for players who are injured and have to deal with financial issues. Flanagan hopes Leon Brown and Ashton Hewitt will soon return to action. Hewit underwent ankle surgery in September. Leon is nine weeks post-op and he may not play this weekend. He may play on tour.