Matthew Screech becomes just the second player to make 200 appearances for Dragons as the Men of Gwent open the new BKT United Rugby Championship season at Ulster on Friday evening (kick-off 8.05pm).
Screech will hit the major milestone at Affidea Stadium in Belfast and joins legendary back row Lewis Evans in the exclusive 200 Club at Dragons RFC.
Head Coach Filo Tiatia names his first match day squad of the league season and hands debuts to three players in his starting line-up.
Experienced loosehead Wyn Jones and new South African prop Rob Hunt pack down for the first time either side of Wales international Elliot Dee up front.
Screech is paired with co-captain Ben Carter in the second row while Aaron Wainwright plays alongside Shane Lewis-Hughes and Harri Keddie in the back row.
The third debut from the start is Tinus de Beer, who plays at fly half and teams up with Rhodri Williams.
Joe Westwood and Aneurin operate in midfield while the back three contains co-captain Angus O’Brien at full back and Rio Dyer and Jared Rosser out wide.
Four new players could make debuts from the bench with Dillon Lewis, Levi Douglas, Mackenzie Martin and Fine Inisi all named.
“We're looking forward to going to Ulster, they’re a good side and they'll be tough over there,” stated Tiatia.
“They have a heavy pack, they’ve certainly got some experience in the midfield, and they’ve got speed. We're looking forward to the challenge.
“The players are excited, so are the coaches, but it's no different to Ulster, they'll be excited to play against us. It's time to get started."
Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien (CC), Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Tinus de Beer, Rhodri Williams; Wyn Jones, Elliot Dee, Rob Hunt, Matthew Screech, Ben Carter (CC), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harrison Keddie, Aaron Wainwright
Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rodrigo Martinez, Dillon Lewis, Levi Douglas, Mackenzie Martin, Che Hope, Fine Inisi, Huw Anderson
