Welsh international lock Luke Charteris returns to captain the Dragons in their home match against Connacht on Saturday (16:30) Charteris had been withdrawn as a precaution following an eye injury.
All Black scrum half Danny Lee who makes his first start is joined by centre Rhodri Gomer Davies returns from foot surgery for his first Dragons league game of the season.
Back row Hoani MacDonald has also come back from a shoulder injury to take up a position on the bench.
Newport Gwent Dragons:
Martyn Thomas; Aled Brew, Tom Riley, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Richard Fussell; James Arlidge, Danny Lee; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Gethin Robinson, Adam Jones, Luke Charteris (C), Dan Lydiate, James Harris, Joe Bearman.
Replacements:
Duane Goodfield, Nigel Hall, Hoani MacDonald, Lewis Evans, Will Harries, Shaun Connor, Wayne Evans
