Lock Matthew Screech makes his 150th appearance in the BKT United Rugby Championship in the Welsh derby with Ospreys at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).
Dragons Academy graduate Ewan Rosser is also handed a first start for the club as Head Coach Dai Flanagan makes six changes to his starting line-up.
Rosser replaces his elder brother on then flank while the other change in the backs is a recall for centre Sio Tomkinson. Scrum half Rhodri Williams captains the team.
Back row Ollie Griffiths returns alongside Sean Lonsdale in a new-look back row that also features Wales international Aaron Wainwright.
Wales ace Ben Carter joins milestone man Screech in the second row while the final change is a call-up for hooker Bradley Roberts. Prop Chris Coleman and wing Ashton Hewitt return among the replacements.
Flanagan said: “It’s a really exciting period for us now with three big league games.
“We’ve got a derby game and then we got to South Africa for a couple of weeks together, playing the Hollywoodbet Sharks and Emirates Lions.
“There are opportunities everywhere and that's what excites us. “We've got fantastic players across the park, got good depth, so we need to have good belief going into a derby at home.”
Dragons RFC: Cai Evans, Rio Dyer, Sio Tomkinson, Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser, Will Reed, Rhodri Williams (c); Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter, Sean Lonsdale, Ollie Griffiths, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Chris Coleman, George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Dane Blacker, Steff Hughes, Ashton Hewitt
Unavailable (12): Harri Ackerman (shoulder), Taine Basham (suspension), Leon Brown (calf), Lewis Jones (cheekbone), Harrison Keddie (knock), Dan Lydiate (ribs), Rodrigo Martinez (calf), Jared Rosser (knock), Angus O’Brien (arm), David Richards (back), Joe Westwood (leg), Jordan Williams (back)
Tickets for the Ospreys game remain on sale NOW – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours. Season Memberships for the 2023/24 season are remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy today!
