A total of 11 new signings will be on shows at Vallis Way as the Dragons attempt lay the foundations for an improved campaign ahead of their Guinness PRO14 opener against Benetton Treviso.
Jack Dixon captains the side from the centre outside a brand new half-back combination of Rhodri Davies and Josh Lewis. Summer signing Jordan Williams will get a chance to showcase his dancing feet from full-back in a back-three alongside Wales Sevens World Cup stars Jarred Rosser and Joe Goodchild.
Up front Rhys Lawrence has an immediate return to Ealing after his summer switch from the West London club, and Ryan Bevington gets his first start in a Dragons jersey.
The back row consists of Huw Taylor, Nic Cudd and James Benjamin, with Cudd playing his first game since injury during pre-season last year against Glasgow at Ebbw Vale. Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies and Matthew Screech who made 65 appearances between them last season complete the pack.
Amongst the twelve replacements, Richard Hibbard, Brandon Nansen, Rhodri Davies, Tiaan Loots and Jacob Botica will hope to get their first run out in a Dragons shirt, whilst there’s also places for Gavin Henson and Brok Harris after they missed the latter half of 2017/18.
Head coach Jackman said: “There’s definitely a different feel this year. The development of the players like Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Aaron Wainwright going from being regional players to being internationals has been huge.
“Hallam Amos has picked up more caps and Cory Hill has kicked on again, plus the recruitment we’ve made with Richard Hibbard, Rhodri Williams, Aaron Jarvis, Ryan Bevington and Ross Moriarty has given us more leadership, experience and talent, so it’s been a very good pre-season.
“We’re in a high-pressure environment and expectancy to perform is part of that, maybe there was some leeway last year because the squad hadn’t been successful in the past especially with injuries but we want to build a winning team as quickly as possible.”
