Cusiter returns to lead Reivers

Cusiter, was ruled out of action for up to four months after suffering a shoulder injury whilst representing his country in the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Test against the Pacific Islanders. However, his hard work with the Borders and Scotland medical staff has paid off and he will return to the fray after only a nine week absence.

Commenting on today's news, head coach Steve Bates said: "It's good to welcome Chris back from injury this week and it's slightly earlier than expected, which is good news.

"It's going to be a tough game against an experienced Newport Gwent Dragons side, but our younger players are really looking forward to the challenge."

Cusiter will line-up alongside fellow British & Irish Lion Gregor Townsend who starts at stand-off.

Meanwhile, five Senior National Academy (Borders) players feature in Steve Bates' squad with Scotland 7s captain Scott Forrest getting his first start for the Borders.

Border Reivers team to play Newport Gwent Dragons in the Magners League at Rodney Parade on Friday 26 January (kick-off 7:30pm)

15 Calum MacRae

14 Simon Danielli
13 Nick De Luca
12 Ben MacDougall
11 Garry Law

10 Gregor Townsend
9 Chris Cusiter CAPTAIN

1 Ryan Grant
2 Ross Ford
3 Bruce Douglas
4 John Dalziel
5 Opeta Palepoi
6 Scott Newlands
7 Scott Newlands
8 Scott Forrest

Substitutes
16 Steve Scott
17 Ed Kalman
18 Richie Vernon
19 Roddy Grant
20 Rob Chrystie
21 Steve Jones
22 Dougie Flockhart