Jarrod Evans: Cardiff's Wales fly-half set to return from injury against Dragons

Image source, Huw Evans picture agency

Image caption, Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans played only 20 minutes after coming off the bench against Connacht

United Rugby Championship: Cardiff v Dragons

Venue: Cardiff Arms Park Date: Saturday, 23 October Time: 17:15 BST

Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Wales. Report on BBC Sport website and app. Highlights on Scrum V, Sunday, BBC Two Wales and online, 24 October from 18:00 and later on demand

Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans is set to return for Cardiff against Dragons on Saturday in the all-Welsh United Rugby Championship derby at the Arms Park.

Evans has been missing since the opening game of the season in late September when he suffered a sternum injury against Connacht.

Fellow Cardiff fly-half Rhys Priestland is away with the Wales squad.

Gareth Anscombe, Dan Biggar, Callum Sheedy and Priestland are Wales' fly-half options for the autumn.

"He is available," said Cardiff director of rugby Dai Young.

"He struggled to be fit for last weekend's game (against Sharks) but he is looking forward to this week and we are glad to have him back."

Cardiff have 10 players away with Wayne Pivac's Wales squad while Dragons have six forwards in the 38-man party.

Wales' opening autumn game against New Zealand on 30 October falls outside World Rugby's international window but the regional players in Pivac's squad are unavailable for league matches the weekend before.

Supporters have vented their frustration that 16 international players are unavailable for the east Wales derby and criticised the scheduling of the fixture.

"I understand why we don't have our internationals but it is a shame because we all look forward to the derbies and potentially having all our best players on the field," said Young.

"But it is what it is and does not change the fact that when Cardiff go out there and play the Dragons, it's a big rivalry and everybody wants to get that result.

"It is a challenge, but one most clubs in this league are used to. You would like to think the boys stepping up are looking forward to their opportunity."