Williams returns as Dragons wrap up their season
RHODRI Williams – fresh from his Wales recall – returns to captain the Dragons as they face Leinster in the final game of their Guinness PRO14 Rainbow Cup campaign at the RDS Arena tonight (8.15pm).
Scrum-half Williams is called up as is experienced centre Jamie Roberts as Dean Ryan makes a total of eight changes for the game in Dublin.
Wales international hooker Elliot Dee and Aaron Jarvis are named to pack down alongside prop Brok Harris on his final appearance for the Men of Gwent.
Lock Joe Davies partners Ben Carter – who was called up by Wales for the first time earlier this week – while Harrison Keddie returns at blindside.
There is a recall for Josh Lewis in the full-back jersey, while Owen Jenkins comes in on the wing.
Changes on the bench include a return for lock Joe Maksymiw.
“It’s important how we finish the season and that’s reflected in the team we have selected,” said Director of Dragons Rugby, Ryan.
“It’s about getting the right mix to our team so young players can have a positive experience surrounded by senior members of our squad.
“We’ve been pretty pleased with some of our performances in the competition, although we wanted better results.
“We have taken a huge amount from this part of the season and we want to finish in the right space to take that confidence and belief into next year.”
Leinster welcome 1,200 fans to the RDS as Gary Ringrose leads out the team, with James Ryan in line to make his 50th appearance from the second row.
Leinster: H Keenan; J Larmour, G Ringrose (c), R O’Loughlin, J O’Brien; R Byrne, J Gibson-Park; C Healy, R Kelleher, M Ben, R Baird, J Ryan, S Fardy, S Penny, C Doris. Reps: J Tracy, M Milne, V Abdaladze, D Toner, J van der Flier, L McGrath, H Byrne, C Kelleher.
Dragons: J Lewis; O Jenkins, A Owen, J Roberts, R Dyer; S Davies, R Williams (c); B Harris, E Dee, A Jarvis, J Davies, B Carter, H Keddie, O Griffiths, R Moriarty. Reps: R Hibbard, J Reynolds, C Coleman, J Maksymiw, T Basham, G Bertranou, J Dixon, I Davies.
Referee: