Dragons centre Ashley Smith is being rested as a precaution after coming off the pitch against Ulster last weekend following a heavy collision with an Ulster player.
“I’m delighted for Lewis making his debut for the Dragons,” said Director of Rugby Robert Beale. “Lewis has been playing exceptionally well for Newport RFC in the Premiership and I’m sure he’ll take this opportunity to impress in the professional game.”
“Lewis is seen as a future professional player at the Dragons and this opportunity comes to him in-line with our policy of developing and promoting our players through the academy system”
Pontypool utility back Geraint O’Driscoll and Bedwas prop Keiron Jenkins are also named on the bench.
Dragons Martyn Thomas, Mike Poole, Tom Riley, Lewis Robling, Tonderai Chavhanga; Matthew Jones; Wayne Evans; Phill Price, Tom Willis (c), Nathan Buck, Adam Jones, Rob Sidoli, Jevon Groves, Gavin Thomas, Andrew Coombs,
Replacements: Rhys Buckley, Nathan Williams, Keiron Jenkins, Lewis Evans, Hugo Ellis, Joe Bedford, Geraint O’Driscoll, Jason Tovey
