Wales Trio Return to Boost Dragons in Crucial URC Clash Against Ulster

Key Players Return for Dragons' URC Survival Bid

Three Wales internationals - Aaron Wainwright, Elliot Dee, and Rhodri Williams - make their immediate return to club duty as Dragons prepare to face Ulster in a crucial United Rugby Championship (URC) encounter at Rodney Parade.

Team Selection and Tactical Changes

• Dragons' lineup sees Wainwright slotting in at number eight, forming a powerful back row with the returning Harri Keddie at openside flanker
• Dee resumes hooking duties while Williams partners Will Reed at half-back
• Potential debut for short-term signing Josh Thomas as fly-half cover

Ulster's Strengthened Squad

The Irish province makes three strategic changes:

• Prop Tom O'Toole returns to the starting XV
• David McCann replaces Matty Rea in the back row
• Scrum-half Nathan Doak gets the nod over Conor McKee

Recent Context and Tournament Stakes

This matchup pits:

• 14th-placed Dragons (17 points behind Zebre at the URC basement)
• Against 12th-placed Ulster, just two points off the playoff-chasing Lions

The Welsh side will be looking to rebound after their international contingent suffered Wales' record 68-14 Six Nations defeat to England.

Coaches' Perspectives

Dragons boss Filo Tiatia acknowledged the challenge:

"Ulster possess a formidable set piece with powerful carriers like Stuart McCloskey. They present threats across the park which will test our defensive structures."

Ulster coach Richie Murphy emphasized the urgency:

"Our playoff ambitions demand victory here. While Dragons' table position appears vulnerable, their home performances have demonstrated real competitiveness."

Match Officials

• Referee: Griffin Colby (SARU)
• Assistants: Rhys Jones & Gwyn Morris (WRU)
• TMO: Morne Ferreira (SARU)

Full Team Sheets

Dragons XV: 1. Rodrigo Martinez 2. Elliot Dee 3. Chris Coleman 4. Matthew Screech 5. George Nott 6. Shane Lewis-Hughes 7. Harri Keddie 8. Aaron Wainwright

9. Rhodri Williams 10. Will Reed 11. Ashton Hewitt 12. Aneurin Owen (c) 13. Joe Westwood 14. Rio Dyer 15. Huw Anderson

Ulster XV: 1. Reid 2. Herring 3. O'Toole 4. O'Connor (c) 5. Dalton 6. McCann 7. Timoney 8. McNabney

9. Doak 10. Murphy 11. Stockdale 12. McCloskey 13. Hume 14. Lowry 15. Moore

Coverage begins at 17:00 GMT on BBC platforms