Steve Jones will become the fourth player to lead the Men of Gwent this season on Sunday as the Dragons take on Edinburgh.
Jones, who has shown fine form in the absence of captain Tom Willis in the number 2 shirt is a stalwart of the Dragons, having made 120 appearances for the region.
“We have rested Ashley as a precaution for Sunday’s game,” said Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner.
“Steve has shown great determination this season and having stepped up so successfully in the absence of Tom Willis to become one of the form hookers in Wales, I am confident that he will step up just as well as captain.”
The side also sees the debut of new signing Pat Palmer at tighthead. Palmer, who joins the Dragons from Cardiff Blues, played for the Men of Gwent in the 2007-2008 season.
Dragons Academy graduate Toby Falatau is also set to make his first senior appearance as he lines up on the bench. The 18-year old back row has made six appearances this season for Premiership side Cross Keys.
Newport Gwent Dragons: Jason Tovey, Aled Brew, Tom Riley, Matther Watkins, Richard Fussell; James Arlidge, Wayne Evans; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones (C) Patrick Palmer, Rob Sidoli, Adam Jones, Hoani Macdonald, Gavin Thomas, Grant Webb
Replacements:
Duane Goodfield, Peter Bracken, James Harris, Toby Falatau, Martyn Thomas, Rhodri Gomer Davies, Danny Lee
