Tompkins and Maksymiw make debuts for Dragons Rugby

Aug 21 • General News, Guinness Pro14 • 985 Views • Comments Off on Tompkins and Maksymiw make debuts for Dragons Rugby

New signings Nick Tompkins and Joe Maksymiw will both make their debuts as Dragons face Ospreys in the Guinness PRO14 at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2.15pm).

Wales international centre Tompkins, a summer recruit from Saracens, and lock Maksymiw, who joined from Connacht, are part of a new-look Dragons side who face competitive action for the first time in 170 days.

Fly half Sam Davies makes his first return to his former region and will captain Dragons. He is joined at half back by Tavis Knoyle who makes his 50th appearance for the Men of Gwent.

Tompkins is paired with Jack Dixon in the centre while Owen Jenkins and Ashton Hewitt provide the firepower out wide.

Dafydd Howells is named at full back and makes his first appearance since November last year.

Hooker Richard Hibbard will pack down with props Brok Harris and Leon Brown up front while Maksymiw joins Matthew Screech in the second row.

Flanker Ben Fry, who signed a senior deal with the region last month, makes his full Guinness PRO14 debut alongside Tane Basham and Ross Moriarty in the back row.

Wales international Aaron Wainwright is named among the replacements.

“We can’t wait to get started and resume the Guinness PRO14,” said Dean Ryan, Director of Dragons Rugby.

“It will be a new experience for us all with empty stadiums, but I think everybody is just delighted to see some rugby back on the pitch.

“In terms of selection, it is a balancing act for us over these two league games as we try and get combinations right and give opportunities.

“I’ve only been involved in one round of local derby games and they don’t lack emotion. It is not a free hit,” he added.

“We’re looking forward to a truly competitive game and getting on with our jobs. We’re pleased to be back and ready for a game.”

Dragons (v Ospreys Rugby): Dafydd Howells, Owen Jenkins, Nick Tompkins, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Tavis Knoyle; Brok Harris, Richard Hibbard, Leon Brown, Matthew Screech, Joe Maksymiw, Ben Fry, Taine Basham, Ross Moriarty

Replacements: Ellis Shipp, Conor Maguire, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Aaron Wainwright, Luke Baldwin, Arwel Robson, Adam Warren