He returns from injury after he ruptured ligaments in his left knee in pre-season, leaving him to wait on the side lines for five months.
“I’d like to thank Lyn for giving me this chance. He has got a lot of faith in me and I want to repay him for that,” said the back row.
"Lyn said he has watched footage of me but needs to see me in the flesh, so it's up to me to impress.
“I'm so excited to be back and it's a great chance for me – I've worked hard to get back and now I have to deliver what the coaches have asked of me."
Lyn Jones has out his faith in a new look regional team as the only player to retain his place from last weekend is fullback Dan Evans. He is joined in the back five by wingers Will Harries who has moved to open side wing and Hallam Amos who returns to the team from injury. The centre pairing takes on the form of Adam Hughes and Lewis Robling. Italian international Kris Burton gets the nod from Jones and starts as fly-half and young gun Jonathan Evans takes on the role of scrumhalf.
The front five are all change as Nathan Williams, Hugh Gustafson and Francisco Chaparro are named in the front row. The second row is then taken up by Matthew Screech and Rob Sidoli who also dons the captaincy for this match. The back row consists of Jevon Groves, flanker Darren Waters and Ieuan Jones.
There have been seven changes made to the bench but T. Rhys Thomas retains his place. He is joined on the bench by Aaron Coundley, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Nic Cudd, Wayne Evans, Principality player of the month Dorian Jones and Ashley Smith.
Dragons team to face Newcastle Falcons
Dan Evans, Will Harries, Adam Hughes, Lewis Robling, Hallam Amos, Kris Burton, Jonathan Evans; Nathan Williams, Hugh Gustafson, Francisco Chaparro, Matthew Screech, Rob Sidoli (c), Jevon Groves, Darren Waters, Ieuan Jones.
Replacements
T. Rhys Thomas, Aaron Coundley, Dan Way, Cory Hill, Nic Cudd, Wayne Evans, Dorian Jones, Ashley Smith.
As the game isn’t being televised supporters can follow the action as it happens, wherever they are with our live commentary HERE.
