Wales international Aaron Wainwright makes his return as Dragons RFC face Connacht Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Dexcom Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
Wainwright’s much anticipated comeback is one of eight changes made by Head Coach Dai Flanagan for the fixture in Galway.
The pack also sees Matthew Screech named at lock alongside captain Ben Carter.
A new-look front row means first starts of the season for hooker Oli Burrows, prop Chris Coleman and loanee Cameron Jones.
Wales international full back Cai Evans is back in the 15 jersey in Ireland while Angus O’Brien moves to fly half and is paired with the recalled Dane Blacker. The final change is a place on the wing for Ewan Rosser.
Prop Aki Seiuli could make his first appearance since re-joining the club on a short-term deal after being named among the replacements.
Head Coach Flanagan said: “I like Connacht, they have a blend of a very good team. There are 23 guys who are really fighting for the cause, they are all committed to winning 50/50 battles and collisions.
“They are well coached and have an identity with their style of play that they don’t go too far away from.
“There are not too many teams better at playing into the wind that Connacht in Galway. Their style, skill set, and accuracy allows them to keep the ball for long periods.
“We have a big challenge but it’s one we are looking forward to.”
Dragons RFC: Cai Evans, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Ewan Rosser, Angus O’Brien, Dane Blacker; Cameron Jones, Oli Burrows, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter (c), Matthew Screech, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harri Keddie, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Aki Seiuli, Luke Yendle, Steve Cummins, Taine Basham, Rhodri Williams, Lloyd Evans, Harry Wilson
Unavailable (11): Harri Ackerman (leg), Dmitri Arhip (knee), Oli Andrew (hamstring), Elliot Dee (ankle), Solomone Funaki (knee), Ollie Griffiths (unavailable), Ashton Hewitt (knee), Rhodri Jones (knee), Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths (ankle), Jared Rosser (groin), George Young (knee)
