Carter is eager to make up for lost time

IMAGINE waiting a year to return to the international arena and then having your comeback last just 27 seconds.

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That was the fate which befell Ben Carter this summer when he suffered an alarming head injury in the opening minute of Wales' first Test against Japan in Kitakyushu.

There was real concern as the second row lay prone on the turf having been concussed in attempting a tackle, with the referee immediately stopping play and medical staff rushing to his aid.

He underwent several minutes of treatment before being stretchered off. It was the end of his match and the end of his tour, as he headed home.

But, happily, the 24-year-old is now fully recovered and back with a key role to play as vice-captain of Dragons RFC, who host the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

Detailing what he recalls of the incident out in Japan, he says: "I remember going in for the tackle, and it's a little bit blurry after that. I just caught my temple on his hip.

"It was really frustrating when I look back at all the work that went into the tour.