TEAM NEWS
Head Coach Bernard Jackman welcomes back three of his four Wales internationals from last month's Under Armour Series along with Gavin Henson into the starting line up for tonight's clash with Newcastle Falcons.
Dragons Team
15 Hallam Amos, 14 Jared Rosser, 13 Adam Warren, 12 Jack Dixon, 11 Ashton Hewitt, 10 Gavin Henson, 9 Dan Babos; 1 Sam Hobbs, 2 Elliot Dee, 3 Lloyd Fairbrother, 4 Joe Davies, 5 Cory Hill (c), 6 Aaron Wainwright, 7 Ben Roach, 8 James Benjamin.
Replacements; Liam Belcher, Gerard Ellis, Thomas Davies, Rynard Landman, James Sheekey, Charlie Davies, Arwel Robson, Pat Howard.
Newcastle Team
15. Simon Hammersely 14 Zach Kilbirgie 13 Tom Penny 12 Josh Matavesi 11 Adam Radwan 10 Joel Hodgson 9 Sam Stuart 1 Sam Lockwood 2 Ben Sowrey 3 Scott Wilson 4 Will Witty 5 Sean Robinson 6 Mark Wilson (c) 7 Gary Graham 8 Ryan Burrows
Replacements 16 Jamie Blamire 17 Rob Vickers 18 Trevor Davison 19 Glen Young 20 Simon Uzokwe 21 Michael Young 22 Craig Willis 23 Charlie Wilson
TICKETS
All Dragons Seasonal Members are able to use their membership cards for this match and for those fans who don’t have a membership, match-day tickets are available to buy directly from the Rodney Parade Ticket Office in person at the gate or by calling 01633 674990.
SANTA GROTTO
We have the big man himself at Rodney Parade tonight in the WFAC family zone and no it's not Ross Moriarty joining us early, but Santa Claus. Santa has taken a little time out of his very busy schedule to spread the festive cheer. Pop in and have a selfie with Santa in the grotto and who knows he might even have a pressie for you. He's also encouraging two of his elves to attend who you may recognise.
Thanks to Tesco's, Wilko and Sainsburys for their support of Santa and his elves.
++++AFTER MATCH PARTY+++++ Don't miss the fantastic Big Macs Wholly Soul Band after the game tonight, tickets available on the door.
NEW FANZONE BAR
In partnership with Coors and Guinness there’s a new fanzone bar open for tonight’s PRO14 clash. The bar is located at the end of the Hazel concourse, ideally suited for supporters in Blocks D & E as well as the South Terrace
TOP TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE GAME
1. Arrive Early: Come and enjoy the atmosphere at Rodney Parade and avoid the rush, with our We Fight Any Claim Family zone open from 5pm and gates open an hour and half before kick off.
Pre-match there’s the chance to collect autographs with Dragons players in the marquee from just after 6pm, Santa's Grotto will open at 6pm plus there's free mince pies (whilst stocks last) and drinks for kids and adults, plus plenty of activities including free face painting and a Q&A with a Dragons first team player hosted by the official Dragons Supporters Club at 6.45pm. We'll also welcome our resident DJ from Sound 2 Light Roadshow.
2. Cash is King: Payments at the food and drink units and any ticket upgrades you may need to purchase are cash only. The nearest cash points are on Clarence Place and Corporation Road should you require one.
3. Don’t forget your tickets: No duplicate tickets will be issued.
4. Check the ground regulations: Please refrain from going on the pitch which is strictly off limit. This is to ensure you adhere to the Stadium Ground Regulations.
5. Stay onside: There are plenty of bars around the ground so please do not bring alcohol onto the premises as it is prohibited within our Ground Regulations. Remember Rodney Parade is a family venue so please respect your fellow supporters.
6. Enjoy: We want you to have a great night out supporting the Dragons so have a great day and enjoy your visit to Rodney Parade.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITY
The youngsters performing the guard of honour are from the Dragons Community regional club’s engagement programme – Newbridge, Deri and St Josephs. The juniors will take part in a half time parade, whilst representatives of each club will go head to head in a passing competition.
TONIGHT’S CHARITY
The match day collection today will be for CrossKeys Silver Band
We are delighted to welcome the Silver Band to the game tonight to add to the festive atmosphere and entertain supporters. The band will perform outside the Family zone and at half time on the pitch. The Cross Keys Silver band encourage any one who wants to learn to play a brass instrument by loaning items out and they are currently looking for new players to join the band, including any children over the age of 7 who like to take it up.
Supporters' Club competition - Guess the 1st Try scorer – look out for your opportunity to predict the first try scorer tonight to win a prize from our match day partners Tiger Copenhagen who will be at the game with some special prizes.
AFTER MATCH PARTY
Performing a catalogue of soul classics after the match tonight in the We Fight Any Claim marquee are the ever popular Big Macs Wholly Soul Band.
Over a quarter of a century after their first gig Big Macs are an institution in south Wales with the ten piece band led by Michael McNamara they have a strong loyal following. Tickets available on the door priced £10
RODNEY PARADE TRAVEL
For an update on how to get to Rodney Parade, please click here.
Supporters are urged to respect our local residents when travelling to and from the stadium.
Please remember, if you are attending a match at Rodney Parade and have an issue, please contact your nearest steward. Following a game, you can email any observations, complaints or issues to info@dragonsrugby.wales
Thank you and enjoy the game.
