Wing Rio Dyer will make his 100th appearance for Dragons RFC as the club kicks-off its EPCR Challenge Cup campaign against USA Perpignan at Rodney Parade on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).
Homegrown ace Dyer hits the magical milestone as Head Coach Filo Tiatia makes seven changes to the side that were narrowly defeated by Ospreys last time out.
Jared Rosser also makes his first start of the season on the opposite wing while Tinus de Beer switches to full back.
Centre Fine Inisi plays alongside Aneurin Owen in midfield while Jac Lloyd makes a start at fly half.
A new-look front row sees Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan and Owain James pack down and lock Barny Langton-Cryer is called-up to play alongside captain Ben Carter in the second row.
Prop Wyn Jones, prop Dillon Lewis, lock Matthew Screech and back row Evan Minto all return among the replacements.
Senior Coach Dale MacLeod said: “We’re looking forward to the game. Like all French teams they will be big, they will be physical and they will be skilful. You give them a sniff, let them in to your 22, they'll kick the door down and truck over.
“They're just you know big men, and if get on top, they get excited and express themselves.
“It’s a new competition and a chance to put a stake in the ground and build some momentum and some excitement in your programme and for your fans,” he added.
“We're really excited to get back to Rodney Parade and put on a performance that our fans will be proud of, and our team and organisation will be proud of.”
Dragons RFC: Tinus de Beer, Rio Dyer, Fine Inisi, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Jac Lloyd, Che Hope; Rhodri Jones, Brodie Coghlan, Owain James, Barny Langton-Cryer, Ben Carter (c), Shane Lewis-Hughes, Harry Beddall, Harri Keddie
Replacements: Elliot Dee, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Matthew Screech, Evan Minto, Rhodri Williams, Fetuli Paea, Anzelo Tuitavuki
Unavailable: Harri Ackerman, Chris Coleman, Levi Douglas, Eretara Enari, Cai Evans, Robert Hunt, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Rodrigo Martinez, Angus O’Brien, Harry Rees-Weldon, Ryan Woodman, Thomas Young
Our Challenge Cup opener will take place at Rodney Parade on Friday, October 16 (kick-off 8pm) and tickets for that game are available HERE
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We're really excited to get back to Rodney Parade and put on a performance that our fans will be proud of, and our team and organisation will be proud of...
