Turner's Team Develops Rugby in the Region

Paul Turner makes 12 changes to the team that beat Edinburgh as he looks to develop the talent within the region for the EDF Energy Cup clash at Rodney Parade tomorrow, kick-off 7.05pm.

Dragons Announce Team to Face Newcastle Falcons

Newport Gwent Dragons Head Coach Paul Turner makes 12 changes to the team that beat Edinburgh at home in the Magners League last week as he looks to develop the talent within the region for the EDF Energy Cup clash against the Newcastle Falcons at Rodney Parade tomorrow, kick-off 7.05pm.

Twenty-seven year old Ebbw Vale prop Anthony Lott, who also captained Dragons clubs XV and Wales clubs XV in the 2006/7 season, will start for the region tomorrow while Principality Premiership hooker Lloyd Burns from Cross Keys and Newport prop Alex Murphy will be looking for their first competitive regional action from the replacements bench.

Paul Turner said: “This week Anthony and Alex were brought into the squad. It’s a great environment to stake a claim for being a professional and, having talked to both of them, they definitely won’t let us down.

“Lloyd Burns also has a great opportunity tomorrow evening and as he’s been training with us this season it’s great to see.”

Dragons Rugby Manager Robert Beale commented:

“I’m really grateful for the support from Head Coaches Sven Cronk of Newport RFC and Will Thomas of Ebbw Vale for releasing Alex and Anthony on the eve of what is a very important game for both clubs in the Principality Premiership game at Eugene Park.”

He added: “It’s a great opportunity for both to come to Rodney Parade and experience professional rugby which I’m sure will benefit both their clubs going forward.”

The team to face Newcastle is as follows:

15 Phillip Dollman

14 Tal Selley

13 Rhodri Gomer Davies

12 Marc Stcherbina (captain)

11 Gareth Wyatt

10 Jason Tovey

9 Robert Lewis

1 Hugh Gustafson

2 Steve Jones

3 Anthony Lott

4 Andrew Hall