Dragons hit the regional road for the exciting clash at The Bridgefield as they face the Bears, who are currently gearing up preparations for the World Cup in Japan next year.
Dixon will lead the team as Dragons – who will be coached in the game by Alan Kingsley and Ian Evans - look to build momentum ahead of the return to Guinness PRO14 action later this month.
Josh Lewis and Rhodri Davies combine at half back while Dafydd Howells and Deon Smith will bring firepower out wide.
Carwyn Penny is rewarded for his displays in the Celtic Cup with the full back jersey. Tom Hoppe will line up alongside Dixon in midfield.
Experienced props Aaron Jarvis and fit-again Ryan Bevington will pack down either side of Rhys Lawrence.
Lock Rynard Landman is called up to play alongside Joe Davies while an athletic back row features Huw Taylor, Ben Fry and James Benjamin.
Coach Ian Evans said: “It’s going to be a good test for our players to go up against international players. There is a good mixture of experience and youth in our team.
"It’s nice to get some players out there to get some momentum in the game and also some players up to speed and get themselves in the window for the Edinburgh game.
Dragons (v Russia Rugby): Carwyn Penny, Dafydd Howells, Tom Hoppe, Jack Dixon (c), Deon Smith, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Davies; Ryan Bevington, Rhys Lawrence, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Davies, Rynard Landman, Huw Taylor, Ben Fry, James Benjamin
Replacements: Ellis Shipp, Gerard Ellis, Chris Coleman, James Thomas, Lennon Greggains, Dan Babos, Evan Lloyd, Llew Smith
Russia: German Godlyuk, Nikita Churashov, Mikhail Babaev, Sergei Trishin, Daniil Potikhanov, Ramil Gaisin, Vasily Dorofeev; Sergei Sekisov, Evgeny Mateev (c), Evgeny Pronenko, Alexei Panasenko, Alexader Ilin, Anton Sychev, Roman Khodin, Vitaly Zhivatov.
Replacements: Leonid Kalinin, Andrei Polivalov, Anton Drozdov, Evgeny Elgin, Nikita Vavilin, Timur Ismailov, Vladimir Ostroushko, Vasily Artemyev.
Tickets are available from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office NOW. Season Members can enjoy a ticket discount for this match with adult entry priced at £10 in advance, £15 on the day. A valid season ticket will be required at the time of purchase.
All other tickets in advance are priced £12 adults and £5 under 16s, with on the day prices for all adults £15. All tickets are unreserved, with limited seating available at the venue, available on a first come, first served basis.
