Prop Aaron Jarvis is recalled to the starting line-up as Dragons name the team to face champions Leinster Rugby in the opening game of the Guinness PRO14 season on Friday evening (kick-off 8.15pm).
Former Wales international Jarvis - who makes his first appearance since February - is one of three changes from the team that faced Bristol Bears in Europe last time out as Dean Ryan’s men travel to Ireland and the RDS Arena in Dublin.
Lock Joe Maksymiw is named and will partner Joe Davies in the second row while full back Will Talbot-Davies is also called into the starting line-up. Leon Brown and Jordan Williams miss the league fixture through injury.
Changes to the bench see a place for loosehead prop Conor Maguire, who featured for Leinster at age grade level.
Scrum half Tavis Knoyle is also named on the bench and could make his 100th appearance in the Guinness PRO14 if he features at the RDS.
Knoyle, who has played for all four regions, stands just one game short of the milestone, having made his league debut back in April 2009.
“We’re excited to start the season and the task ahead of us on the opening night,” said Director of Dragons Rugby, Dean Ryan.
“Leinster remain the team to beat in the Guinness PRO14 and have a huge amount of depth, which is the envy of many teams.
“But that is part of the excitement, when you play against the best you always face quality and we know the level of performance that we will need out in Ireland.”
Dragons (v Leinster Rugby): Will Talbot-Davies, Jonah Holmes, Nick Tompkins, Jamie Roberts, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams (c); Brok Harris, Elliot Dee, Aaron Jarvis, Joe Davies, Joe Maksymiw, Aaron Wainwright, Harrison Keddie, Ross Moriarty
Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Conor Maguire, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Taine Basham, Tavis Knoyle, Josh Lewis, Adam Warren
We’re excited to start the season and the task ahead of us on the opening night...
