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Wales Stars Return For Gloucester Clash

Wales internationals Cory Hill, Hallam Amos, Leon Brown and Elliot Dee will return to action for the Dragons as the Men of Gwent face Gloucester Rugby at Kingsholm tomorrow night (kick off 7.45pm).

Head Coach Bernard Jackman makes seven changes to the starting line-up that faced Northampton Saints, as a 29-man squad makes the short journey to face the Cherry and Whites.

Captain Hill returns in the pack while Welsh international Brown will pack down in the front row. Hooker Dee is named among the replacements.

Amos is back on the wing while Tyler Morgan and Dafydd Howells are also given their first starts of the pre-season campaign.

Summer signing Brandon Nansen is named in the second row alongside Hill while Huw Taylor plays at blindside, with Aaron Wainwright moving to openside.

Hooker Richard Hibbard also starts the game as he makes a return to Gloucester after his summer switch to Dragons.

Head Coach Jackman said: “We’ve gone with an extended squad to make sure we don’t have to overplay our front liners who we expect to play the opening round of the Guinness PRO14.

“We’ve selected a strong side and it’s great to see the likes of Cory Hill, Hallam Amos, Elliot Dee and Leon Brown back for their first game of the season. We’re looking forward to getting them involved.

“We watched Gloucester’s last game against Ulster when they got a great away win at the Kingspan Stadium,” added Jackman. “Like all Gallagher Premiership teams they have a strong squad so it provides a real test for us and the ideal preparation with the start of the new season just over a week away.”

Dragons (v Gloucester Rugby): Jordan Williams, Dafydd Howells, Tyler Morgan, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Josh Lewis, Rhodri Williams; Ryan Bevington, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Brandon Nansen, Cory Hill (capt), Huw Taylor, Aaron Wainwright, Lewis Evans

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Brok Harris, Lloyd Fairbrother, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Nic Cudd, James Benjamin, Tavis Knoyle, Gavin Henson, Jarryd Sage, Tiaan Loots, George Gasson, Joe Goodchild, Will Talbot-Davies

Gloucester team: Jason Woodward, Matt Banahan, Henry Trinder, Billy Twelvetrees, Ollie Thorley,  Danny Cipriani,  Willi Heinz (capt); Josh Hohneck, James Hanson, Fraser Balmain; Ed Slater, Mariano Galarza;  Ruan Ackermann,. Lewis Ludlow, Ben Morgan

 Replacements (16-23, no numbers onwards): 16. Franco Marais, 17. Alex Seville, 18. Ciaran Knight; 19. Gerbrandt Grobler, 20. Jake Polledri, 21. Ben Vellacott, 22. Lloyd Evans, 23. Henry Purdy, Todd Gleave, Freddie Clarke, Will Safe, Gareth Evans, Callum Braley, Owen Williams, Mark Atkinson, Charlie Sharples, Tom Hudson

Dragons begin the Guinness PRO14 campaign at home next Saturday (1st September) against Benetton Rugby, kick off 7.35pm, with early bird match tickets now available priced from £13 for adults, £8 concessions and £5 juniors. CLICK HERE to secure your place
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