Dragons name squad that will face Montpellier

Dragons new Head Coach Bernard Jackman, has named his side that will play their first pre-season friendly of the 2017/18 season against Montpellier.

The two teams previously met during the European Rugby Challenge Cup Semi-Finals in 2016, when the Region travelled to Montpellier and lost out to the star-studded side.

Following a week long training camp in France, Jackman has picked a mixture of youth and experience in his squad, which will feature Welsh International Gavin Henson as he makes his first run out in Dragons colours.

"It's going to be hard to manage, but pre-season is just about getting minutes and making sure everyone gets a fair crack to show they should be in for the first game," said Bernard Jackman.

"Montpellier have a star-studded side and our game against them will be their final prep for their Top '14 opener the next weekend. That will be a challenge - and Northampton are no duds either.

"The team for Montpellier will be based on what we have seen in pre-season. We'll then send 14 players back from Montpellier on Friday to meet up with a group that has stayed behind.

"The coaches will then fly to Northampton on Saturday. That means those playing against Northampton can still be judged, although we will also take into account that it's not an ideal situation because they will have very little time to train together."

Dragons squad to take on Montpellier

15 Carl Meyer

14 Adam Hughes

13 Sam Beard

12 Jack Dixon

11 Hallam Amos

10 Gavin Henson

9 Sarel Pretorius

8 Harrison Keddie

7 James Benjamin

6 James Thomas

5 Ashley Sweet