The Men of Gwent take on CA Brive at Rodney Parade on Friday 14th October, KO 19:30.
The French side have played at Rodney Parade just once before in 2007 in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup, where the Dragons took away the win with six tries. Looking forward to the European competition Ceri Jones, Dragons forwards coach commented: “We've got a good record in Europe and want to keep that going, hopefully that will kick-start us for the league as well.
"There's an exciting couple of weeks coming up with the Ospreys after we go away to Russia, which will be an interesting trip and a good experience.
"I was fortunate to win the tournament twice with Quins. I've got really good memories of the competition and it gives everyone a fresh lease of life to an extent.
"You are going away to play different opposition to the sorts of teams you play week in, week out in the league and we are excited by it."
The position of fullback sees the return of Carl Meyer, as he joins wings Ashton Hewitt and Hallam Amos in the back three. The centre partnership has one change to it as Welsh International Tyler Morgan joins last weekends double try scorer Adam Warren. There are no changes made to the half-backs as Nick Macleod and scrum-half Charlie Davies retain their positions.
The front row has one change made to it as Thomas Davies replaces Sam Hobbs to join tight head prop Brok Harris, with the hooker position once again filled by Rhys Buckley. The second row sees hard hitting lock Rynard Landman join Cory Hill, with the back row including flankers James Thomas and skipper Lewis Evans alongside number 8 Ed Jackson.
The replacements bench has three changes made to it as Phil Price returns from injury with Craig Mitchell and Harri Keddie, join Darran Harris, Matthew Screech, Sarel Pretorius, Angus O’Brien and Sam Beard.
Newport Gwent Dragons team to play CA Brive
15 Carl Meyer, 14 Ashton Hewitt, 13 Tyler Morgan, 12 Adam Warren, 11 Hallam Amos, 10 Nick Macleod, 9 Charlie Davies; 1 Thomas Davies, 2 Rhys Buckley, 3 Brok Harris, 4 Cory Hill, 5 Rynard Landman, 6 James Thomas, 7 Lewis Evans (c), 8 Ed Jackson.
Replacements: Darran Harris, Phil Price, Craig Mitchell, Matthew Screech, Harrison Keddie, Sarel Pretorius, Angus O’Brien, Sam Beard.
Don’t forget that all Dragons Season Members can use their Season Tickets for this match. Supporters can also buy tickets by clicking here or by calling 01633 674990.
Unavailable for selection: Adam Hughes (Concussion), Dorian Jones (Groin), James Benjamin (Ankle), Elliot Dee (Ankle), Thomas Rhys Thomas (Shoulder). There is also a group of players, following a tough match against the Scarlets, that have picked up a few niggles and have not been selected: Nick Crosswell, Nic Cudd, Sam Hobbs, Tom Prydie and Ollie Griffiths.
