Back row Thomas Young will make his debut for Dragons RFC in the BKT United Rugby Championship derby clash with Ospreys Rugby at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm).
Young plays in a new-look back row as the Men of Gwent make six changes to the side that faced Cardiff Rugby at home last week.
Ryan Woodman also operates in the pack, taking the blindside jersey, while prop Chris Coleman – this week called up by Wales - and lock Matthew Screech also return.
Huw Anderson is named on the wing while Joe Westwood returns at outside centre. Rio Dyer and Harri Ackerman miss the game through injury.
“Ospreys will be a tough side, and they will come to us and challenge us,” said Defence Coach Dale MacLeod, who will lead the coaching team in the absence of Filo Tiatia.
“They will be physical, they will be tough, and they will stay in the fight for 80 minutes.
“We’ve got to be at our very best to beat them. That is all we are focussed on.”
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (C), Fine Inisi, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Huw Anderson, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Wyn Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter (C), Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Oli Burrows, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Shane Lewis Hughes, Harry Beddall, Niall Armstrong, Cai Evans, David Richards
Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, Seb Davies, Elliot Dee, Levi Douglas, Rio Dyer, Robert Hunt, Rhodri Jones, Harrison Keddie, Fetuli Paea, Luke Yendle, Harry Rees-Weldon
We’ve got to be at our very best to beat them. That is all we are focussed on...
