Wilson set for first Dragons start in Dublin

Centre Harry Wilson is handed his first start for Dragons RFC as the club heads to Dublin to face Leinster Rugby at Aviva Stadium in the BKT United Rugby Championship on Friday evening (kick-off 7.35pm).

Head Coach Dai Flanagan makes four changes to his starting line-up as the Men of Gwent hit the road for the first time this league season.

Wilson starts, after coming off the bench in the derby victory over Ospreys, and is paired in midfield with Steff Hughes who makes his first appearance his campaign.

Two changes in the pack see Chris Coleman and George Nott earn starting spots.

Hooker Oli Burrows could make his debut for Dragons from the replacements bench while back row George Young is also called up.

Flanagan said: “We’re excited for the challenge we face in our first away game of the league season.

“Leinster bring everything. Ireland have just been announced as the number one team in the world, and I'm sure there's like 20 internationals in the Leinster squad.

“For me, it's about us. It's about us going out there, representing ourselves and our region in the best possible way we can, and improving week by week. It starts this week again.”

Dragons RFC: Angus O’Brien, Rio Dyer, Harry Wilson, Steff Hughes, Jared Rosser, Lloyd Evans, Dane Blacker; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Ben Carter (c), George Nott, Ryan Woodman, Harri Keddie, Shane Lewis-Hughes

Replacements: Oli Burrows, Rhodri Jones, Luke Yendle, Matthew Screech, George Young, Rhodri Williams, Joe Westwood, Ewan Rosser

Unavailable (12): Harri Ackerman (leg), Dmitri Arhip (knee), Oli Andrew (hamstring), Steve Cummins (hand), Elliot Dee (ankle), Cai Evans (hamstring), Solomone Funaki (knee), Ollie Griffiths (unavailable), Ashton Hewitt (knee), Che Hope (ankle), Aaron Wainwright (hamstring), Jordan Williams (ankle)