Wales international Dan Lydiate makes his welcome return for Dragons RFC as the Men of Gwent face rivals Cardiff Rugby in Round 2 of the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).
Lydiate joined a second spell at Dragons during the summer and makes his first appearance for the club since May 2013 as he is named at Number Eight.
Lock Ben Carter will also make his 50th appearance for Dragons as Head Coach Dai Flanagan makes five changes to the side for derby day on home soil.
Sean Lonsdale slots in at blindside flanker while Lydiate replaces Ollie Griffiths, who is ruled out with a dead shoulder.
Wing Ashton Hewitt makes his first appearance of the season, with Jared Rosser switching to the other flank.
Full back Jordan Williams replaces Cai Evans in the 15 jersey, with Evans stood down by boss Flanagan after his HIA against Edinburgh.
The final change is a first start of the season for scrum half Dane Blacker, where he joins forces with Angus O’Brien at half back.
Wales international Leon Brown could also make his first appearance this term after being named among the replacements.
Flanagan said: “We’re looking forward to the derby. The disappointment around the opening game is still raw and we need to use that emotion.
“I think if you ask anyone associated with Dragons over the last few years about this game, performance doesn't matter. It's about winning. But to win we need to play well.
“Cardiff are an impressive side. They've had three games now and they’ve got their own style of play under Matt Sherratt. “They are a little bit more direct with the big kicking game. They average 35 kicks per game and they are doing that for a reason - they want to win."
Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Jared Rosser, Sio Tomkinson, Steff Hughes (c), Ashton Hewitt, Angus O’Brien, Dane Blacker; Rodrigo Martinez, Bradley Roberts, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter, Sean Lonsdale, Harri Keddie, Dan Lydiate
Replacements: James Benjamin, Rhodri Jones, Leon Brown, Joe Davies, George Nott, Rhodri Williams, Will Reed, Jack Dixon
Unavailable: Chris Coleman (hamstring), Lewis Jones (cheekbone), Ollie Griffiths (knock)
Tickets remain on sale now for Sunday’s clash - 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!
We’re looking forward to the derby. The disappointment around the opening game is still raw and we need to use that emotion.
