FLY-HALF Angus O’Brien will start as Newport Gwent Dragons take on Stade Francais in the European Rugby Challenge Cup in Paris on Saturday evening.

The 20-year-old has been a regular in the Dragons squad this season since he moved from the Academy set up into the senior squad this summer.

His inclusion is one of five changes made to the side that lost in Edinburgh last weekend in the Guinness PRO12.

Director of Rugby Lyn Jones said: “We are excited about playing in a new competition and it's about time we did well in Europe and got a bit of respect.

"We are under no illusions about how difficult it is going to be to win but it's about going there, believing ourselves and hitting our KPIs (key performance indicators).

"The French are quite reserved in their domestic competition and when they enter into Europe they will look at us, Newcastle and Bucharest and think let's go and play.

"They have a good attitude to keeping the game alive and if we switch off they can score from 100 yards but at the same time they can concede from 100 yards.

"We appreciate we are at the bottom of our game at the moment but that can quickly turn around."

Skipper Lee Byrne retains his place and is named as full-back; he is joined in the back three by wings Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos.

The centre pairing of Tom Prydie and Ashley Smith also remains the same as last weekend but the half backs are all change as O’Brien and experienced scrum-half Richie Rees get the nod.

Two changes have been made to the front row as T. Rhys Thomas and Lloyd Fairbrother join loose-head prop Boris Stankovich.

The second row partnership of Andrew Coombs and Rynard Landman remains the same, and one change is made in the back row with Wales number 8 Taulupe Faletau joining flankers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd, after being rested last weekend.

Seven changes have been made to the bench as Aled Brew is joined by, Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Dan Way, James Thomas, Andy Powell, Jonathan Evans and Jason Tovey.

Dragons: Lee Byrne (c), Matthew Pewtner, Tom Prydie, Ashley Smith, Hallam Amos, Angus O’Brien, Richie Rees; Boris Stankovich, T. Rhys Thomas, Lloyd Fairbrother, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman, Lewis Evans, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Dan Way, James Thomas, Andy Powell, Jonathan Evans, Jason Tovey, Aled Brew