Dragons development player Aled Thomas will make his first start of the U21 Six Nations Championship on Friday night when he starts at fullback against the young Italians.
Speaking to the South Wales Argus Thomas commented, "Obviously it's been a bit of a long wait for me. I've had limited opportunities coming off the bench but it's a good chance for me to show what I can do and hopefully cement my place.
"It's been pretty tough competing with Jamie, I was on the bench for the majority of the campaign last year and it has been the same again. But I have got to look at the positives and now there's the challenge to keep my place.
"It's up to me to take the opportunity and it's a case of staking a claim for the jersey. I've been given the chance to impress and I want to show what I bring to the table."
The young Welsh are still in with a shout of the Championship after recent wins over Scotland and Ireland, looking ahead to Friday he continued, "Although we have won two out of the three games we have only shown glimpses of what we can do without putting in a complete performance. While we obviously want to get the win on Friday there's a real determination to show what we can do and put on a good show."
Tickets for the match are available from the Rodney Parade ticket office by calling 01633 674990
