Angus O’Brien returns to the starting line-up at fly half as Dragons RFC travel to Belfast to face Ulster Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
O’Brien missed the recent European defeat to Glasgow as he welcomed his second child, but he is now one of six changes made by Head Coach Dai Flanagan for the game at Kingspan Stadium.
Fit-again wing Ashton Hewitt is the other change in the back line, while there is a positional move for Jared Rosser who plays in the centre alongside Max Clark.
A new-look front row in Ireland will see Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee – who makes his 100th URC appearance - and Leon Brown pack down.
The final change to the team is a recall for second row Matthew Screech after suspension. George Nott moves into the back row.
The replacements include a number of homegrown aces with Brodie Coghlan – fresh from signing a new deal – Josh Reynolds and George Young, who could make his first appearance of the season, all named.
There is also a potential welcome return for centre Aneurin Owen, for what would be his first appearance since December.
“We knew we had a tough end to the season with Glasgow away, Ulster away and Scarlets at Principality Stadium, but it is a challenge we’ll continue to embrace,” said Flanagan.
“We know what’s coming, there is no surprise. But collectively we just must be better at the fundamentals of the game and make sure we can stay in the fight longer.”
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Jared Rosser, Max Clark, Ashton Hewitt, Angus O’Brien, Rhodri Williams (capt); Rhodri Jones, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Ben Carter, Matthew Screech, George Nott, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Josh Reynolds, Lloyd Fairbrother, Sean Lonsdale, George Young, Lewis Jones, Will Reed, Aneurin Owen
Unavailable: Gonzalo Bertranou (foot), Joe Davies (knock), Jack Dixon (foot), JJ Hanrahan (hip), Steff Hughes (knock), Ollie Griffiths (pec), Harri Keddie (knock), David Richards (hamstring), Will Rowlands (shoulder), Aki Seiuli (suspension), Sio Tomkinson (suspension)
