The 21 year old made a dream debut in Dragons colours against Bath at the Recreational Ground in their opening LV Cup clash of the season. Wardle who is 21, is currently studying a pharmacy degree at Cardiff University and has recently signed a one year deal with the regional side for the 2013/14 season.
Ross stated, “I am very excited to be involved this weekend. Obviously since the LV Cup game which went well. I have been in and out of games with injury, so it’s come as a bit of shock for me really.”
“Obviously against local rivals, I will be able to put up a good performance and show people what I can do and I can play regularly in the squad and the Dragons progress.”
The men of Gwent have also made changes in the back three, with international star Dan Lydiate who returns from his long term injury to make his Newport Gwent Dragons comeback as blindside flanker whilst skipper Lewis Evans moves to the number 8 shirt. We also see Andrew Coombs returning the regional team and he takes up a position in the second row.
As for the bench we also see the return of Welsh international Toby Faletau, who is joined by Will Harries.
Dragons Team to face the Ospreys
Dan Evans, Adam Hughes, Pat Leach, Jack Dixon, Ross Wardle, Steffan Jones, Wayne Evans; Owen Evans, Sam Parry, Nathan Buck, Andrew Coombs, Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Nic Cudd, Lewis Evans (c).
Replacements:
Hugh Gustafson, Phil Price, Dan Way, Ian Nimmo, Toby Faletau, Jonathan Evans, Will Harries, Hallam Amos.
