Within the pack Lewis Evans is joined by prop Phil Price, who returns to the side. Nathan Buck, who returns from injury, and Nic Cudd, who impressed on the field during the London Welsh match, also join the starting line-up.
Young guns Jack Dixon and Ieuan Jones both retain their places, in the regional team, whilst Hallam moves to bench alongside lock Josh Tyler.
The men of Gwent have won back to back first team games against Ospreys and London Welsh in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The Welshmen have won three of their last four encounters with Italian opponents in all competitions.
Back row forward Lewis Evans and hooker Hugh Gustafson have signed new contracts keeping them in the region for the next two seasons.
Newport-born Lewis Evans has come through the Dragons Academy representing various age groups throughout this time and played for Welsh Premiership sides Ebbw Vale and Newport before the Dragons. Since then Lewis has proved to be a crucial member of the Dragons squad. He’s also impressed at international level representing Wales at all age group levels and the 7s side.
Gustafson joined the region for the 2007/08 season from the Scarlets after captaining the Wales Under 20s in the 2007 Six Nations. The West Walian was an immediate success at Rodney Parade possessing strength in the tight and mobility in the loose and notching up 21 appearances for the region in his first season. Gustafson took on the challenge of changing positions from loose head to hooker during the early 2012/2013 season and has made great strides towards this conversion.
Both Dragons players have strong rugby knowledge and are involved in coaching as they attempt to transfer this knowledge to the youth of the Region.
Director of Rugby Robert Beale stated, “We are delighted to announce that Lewis Evans and Hugh Gustafson, two players committed to the Dragons Region have extended their current contacts with us. I’m sure both players will play a big part in the Dragons future going forward.”
