Dmitri Arhip replaces Christian Coleman in the starting line-up for Dragons against Cardiff on Boxing Day.
The Moldovan international starts with Paula Latu keeping his place on the bench as Coleman is unavailable through illness.
The huge crowd at Rodney Parade will be a fitting way to celebrate Angus O’Brien’s 100th game in a Dragons RFC shirt.
Meanwhile, Elliot Dee is set to make his first appearance of the season off the bench and there is also a place for Shane Lewis-Hughes in the 23, less than three weeks after a finger amputation.
Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Angus O’Brien (c), Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Dmitri Arhip, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Che Hope, Will Reed, Cai Evans
