Dragons name team to play Cardiff on Derby Day

Angus O’Brien will hit a century of appearances for Dragons RFC when the Men of Gwent face Cardiff Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade on Boxing Day (kick-off 5.15pm).

O’Brien hits the milestone as Dragons make five changes from the side that defeated Newcastle Falcons in Europe last time out.

Wales wing Rio Dyer and Jared Rosser return on the wings while scrum half Rhodri Williams is back to join forces with centurion O’Brien at half back.

Lock Joe Davies is recalled, partnering Ryan Woodman in the second row, while Taine Basham is back at openside flanker. Dan Lydiate shifts across to blindside.

Wales international Elliot Dee could make his first appearance of the season from the bench while Aki Seiuli, Will Reed and Shane Lewis-Hughes – less than three weeks after a finger amputation – are also named as replacements.

Filo Tiatia said: “Cardiff Rugby are a good team. Their aspiration will be to come out with a win as well. It’s not different to ours.

“Everyone is really looking forward to the game. We’ve watched Cardiff closely and we’re neighbours they would have done the same.

“It’s going to be a sell-out, or close to it, and the traditions of the Boxing Day game are special. It’s a great opportunity for the players selected.”

Meanwhile, the club can also confirm that Backs Coach Matt O’Brien will lead the coaching team on Boxing Day, with Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia having returned home for family reasons.

In a pre-arranged departure, Tiatia has led all match preparations as normal before returning to New Zealand to be with his father for his 80th birthday.

Tiatia said: “When I first joined Dragons it was agreed that I would return home at this time to be with my father. I’d like to thank the club for their support and understanding around this significant moment for my family.

“The squad and coaching team have been fully aware of my return home throughout this block, and we have prepared as normal for the derby fixture before my departure.

“Matt O’Brien, supported by the wider coaching team, will now lead team affairs on Boxing Day before my return in preparation for the New Year’s Day fixture with Scarlets.

“I’d finally like to also thank our supporters for their understanding with my decision to return home for a short spell and wish them all a very Happy Christmas. I will see you all very soon.”

Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Angus O’Brien (c), Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Che Hope, Will Reed, Cai Evans

Unavailable (11): Leon Brown, Ben Carter (knee), Steve Cummins (knock), Lloyd Evans (knee), Solomone Funaki (knee), Rhodri Jones (knee), Harri Keddie (groin), George Nott (knock), Josh Reynolds (chest), Matthew Screech (knock), Luke Yendle (knee)