Dyer returns for Italian Euro bid

Wales international wing Rio Dyer returns to the starting line-up as Dragons RFC face Zebre Parma in Round 3 of the EPCR Challenge Cup in Italy on Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm UK).

Dyer is one of three changes as Dai Flanagan’s men hunt a victory that would take them a step closer to knockout rugby in European competition.

Props Rhodri Jones and Luke Yendle are the other changes as the Men of Gwent keep faith with the side that defeated Scarlets in the league last time out.

Hooker Bradley Roberts, prop Chris Coleman, lock Matthew Screech and centre Steff Hughes are recalled among the replacements for the European fixture at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

Backs Coach Matt O’Brien said: “Zebre are a different outfit to what they’ve been the last few years, but we’re looking forward to the challenge and a home game in the last 16 remains our target.

“It's a European game where we can go and have a real crack, take a similar sort of mindset that we had against Section Paloise. We're six points from 10 so it's a good chance for us to step up and take control of our destiny in the competition.

“We know this is a chance for us to express ourselves against Zebra Parma, we are away from home, but we have to target the game as one we could potentially win.”

Dragons RFC: Cai Evans, Rio Dyer, Aneurin Owen, Harri Ackerman, Jared Rosser, Will Reed, Rhodri Williams (c); Rhodri Jones, James Benjamin, Luke Yendle, Sean Lonsdale, George Nott, Dan Lydiate, Harri Keddie, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Bradley Roberts, Rodrigo Martinez, Chris Coleman, Matthew Screech, Ollie Griffiths, Dane Blacker, Steff Hughes, Ewan Rosser

Unavailable (10): Gonzalo Bertranou (knee), Ben Carter (hamstring), Elliot Dee (ribs), Jack Dixon (knock), Ashton Hewitt (knee), Lloyd Fairbrother (calf), Angus O’Brien (arm), Sio Tomkinson (neck), Josh Reynolds (pec), David Richards (back)