Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner has rung the changes for the region’s LV= Cup match against Gloucester on Thursday (7:35pm)
Children will have free entry to the game and the opportunity to meet some of the region’s stars in the family village marquee.
Dragons hooker Tom Willis returns to captain the side following on from the victory against the Ospreys on Saturday – the first win for the men of Gwent at the Liberty since the inception of regional rugby.
The match sees several dual contracted players make their debuts for the senior squad. Centre Tom Cooper (Dragons and Bedwas), back row Jevon Groves and fly half Steffan Jones (both Dragons and Cross Keys) are included, alongside Newport prop Dan Way and Bedwas fly half Gareth Williams who played for the Dragons on loan from Harlequins.
“The LV= Cup was a good competition for us last season with wins at home against Sale Sharks and the Ospreys and a very good win against Saracens, who at the time were top of the Guinness Premiership,” said Turner. “Although we got defeated at Leicester, we opened a few eyes in the East Midlands and got within 8 points of them in Welford Road.
“Our game against Gloucester pits us against a very good Aviva Premiership side, one that is on-form, with a huge squad and some very good players. It gives us the opportunity to introduce some young players in the region who have been playing well for their premiership sides to regional rugby. It also provides a good arena for players coming back from injury.”
Dragons squad for Gloucester
Backs
Pat Leach, Matthew Pewtner, Adam Hughes, Ashley Smith, Tom Cooper, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Matthew Jones, Steffan Jones, James Leadbeater, Gareth Williams.
Forwards
Hugh Gustafson, Dan Way, Pat Palmer, Nigel Hall, Tom Willis (capt.), Lloyd Burns, Adam Brown, Rob Sidoli, Adam Jones, Scott Morgan, Jevon Groves, Lewis Evans, Hugo Ellis, Robin Sowden Taylor.
