Centre Tom Griffiths will make his debut for Dragons as the new European Challenge Cup season starts with a home clash against Castres Olympique at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Griffiths, a summer recruit from Saracens, has made a full recovery from an ankle injury to be given his first appearance for Dean Ryan’s men.
Dragons make a total of eight changes from the team that faced Edinburgh last week for the Pool 1 opener, with hooker Richard Hibbard captaining the team.
Fit-again prop Aaron Jarvis will make his first appearance since January while Max Williams and James Benjamin earn call-ups in the pack.
Lock Joe Davies will make his 50th appearance for Dragons in the second row.
A new-look back line will see wing Dafydd Howells and full back Will Talbot-Davies slot into the back three.
Griffiths will partner Tyler Morgan in midfield while the final change to the starting line-up is a first start for on-loan scrum half Luke Baldwin.
Talented Academy product Ben Fry could make a first senior appearance of the season from the bench, where he is joined by the recalled Rhys Lawrence, Tavis Knoyle and Jacob Botica.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge and starting this tournament,” said Forwards Coach, Ceri Jones.
“We know we will have to front up, physically dominate in certain areas, but also be able to go out and expand our game and play. We think that will suit us.
“Castres have had a hard start to the new Top14 season,” he added. “But we are preparing for them coming fully loaded and it’s going to be a big challenge because they are big men.
“This competition is important to us. In front of our own fans against a strong French team, it’s a big occasion for us and one we intend to embrace.”
Tickets for the Castres Olympique clash remain on sale NOW! Supporters can click HERE to buy online or call 01633 674990.
Dragons: Will Talbot-Davies, Dafydd Howells, Tyler Morgan, Tom Griffiths, Owen Jenkins, Sam Davies, Luke Baldwin; Aaron Jarvis, Richard Hibbard (c), Leon Brown, Joe Davies, Max Williams, Huw Taylor, James Benjamin, Taine Basham
Replacements: Rhys Lawrence, Brok Harris, Lloyd Fairbrother, Matthew Screech, Ben Fry, Tavis Knoyle, Jacob Botica, Jack Dixon
Castres Olympique: Benjamin Lapeyre, Filipo Nakosi, Florian Vialelle, Yann David, Taylor Paris, Ludovic Radosavljevic, Jeremy Fernandez; Wayan de Benedittis, Kevin Firmin, Paea Fa’anunu, Kevin Gimeno, Hans N’Kinsi, Camille Gerondeau, Maama Vaipulu, Alex Tulou
Replacements: Paul Sauzaret, Tudor Stroe, Matthew Tierney, Christophe Samson, Anthony Jelonch, Thomas Fortunel, Robert Ebersohn, Armand Batlle
We are preparing for them coming fully loaded and it’s going to be a big challenge because they are big men...
