Young gun Dixon returns to Dragons XV

The 20-year-old sustained a wrist injury against Welsh rivals the Ospreys in Round Two of the Guinness PRO12 tournament. After undergoing successful surgery he returned to play last weekend for premiership side Cross Keys in preparation for the PRO12.

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones commented: "The British & Irish Cup is a part of the development of regional players and it would sit in favourably with me as part of several other areas of development.

"We need to make sure we utilise each other in the growth of young key players."

Alongside Dixon, Lyn Jones has made four personnel changes and one positional change, to the team that took away a bonus point win against the Bucharest Wolves.

Fullback Tom Prydie retains his place in the back three alongside wings Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing sees one change made to it as Ross Wardle is joined by Wales U20 star Jack Dixon. Half-backs Jason Tovey and Jonathan Evans retain their places in the starting XV.

There have been no changes made to the front row as hooker T. Rhys Thomas and props Phil Price and Brok Harris retain their places. The second row has also had one change made to it as Andrew Coombs is joined by Rynard Landman who also takes on the title of captain for this match. James Thomas retains his place as flanker alongside Nic Cudd, as Lewis Evans moves to the bench to make way for British and Irish Lion Taulupe Faletau returns to the starting XV after the autumn internationals.

The replacements bench has also had a reshuffle as Tyler Morgan returns to the match-day squad. He is joined on the bench by Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Cory Hill, Lewis Evans, Richie Rees and Dorian Jones.

Newport Gwent Dragons team to face Zebre

Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Ross Wardle, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, T. Rhys Thomas, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Cory Hill, Lewis Evans, Richie Rees, Dorian Jones, Tyler Morgan.

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