"Darren has been hugely missed and the timing of his injury couldn't have been worse - there was a big opportunity for him after Gavin Thomas retired last season," said head coach Darren Edwards.
"While he was out we found Nic, and that means that we have got two great sevens going into next year.
"Darren has worked so hard to come back and stood out in the Premiership, now we have to create some competition."
The men of Gwent will keep the faith in their young centre pairing of Pat Leach and Jack Dixon; they stand alongside Dan Evans who impressed with a man of the match performance, at number 10 in the Dragons last match against the Scarlets. Welsh international Andrew Coombs also retains his place as captain of the regional side.
As for the bench we see the welcome return from injury of Andy Tuilagi after he was out due to a hamstring injury. He sits alongside Hugh Gustafson, Nathan Williams and Adam Jones who have all been changed from the previous line up.
Dragons team to face Ulster
Tom Prydie, Will Harries, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Ross Wardle, Dan Evans, Jonathan Evans; Aaron Coundley, Sam Parry, Nathan Buck, Andrew Coombs (c), Rob Sidoli, Dan Lydiate, Darren Waters, Toby Faletau.
Replacements:
Hugh Gustafson, Nathan Williams, Dan Way, Adam Jones, Jevon Groves, Wayne Evans, Steffan Jones, Andy Tuilagi.
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