POWERFUL centre Jack Dixon returns to the Dragons starting line up for Sunday’s home clash with Zebre (KO 4pm) after recovering from a wrist injury.

The 20-year-old was injured playing against the Ospreys and had to undergo surgery.

Fullback Tom Prydie retains his place in the back three alongside wings Matthew Pewtner and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing sees one change as Ross Wardle is joined by Dixon. Half-backs Jason Tovey and Jonathan Evans retain their places.

In the second row Andrew Coombs is joined by Rynard Landman who also takes on the captaincy. James Thomas retains his place at flanker alongside Nic Cudd as Lewis Evans moves to the bench to make way for British and Irish Lion Taulupe Faletau as he returns to the starting XV after the autumn internationals.

The replacements bench has also had a reshuffle as Tyler Morgan returns to the match-day squad. He is joined on the bench by Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Cory Hill, Lewis Evans, Richie Rees and Dorian Jones.

Dragons: Tom Prydie, Matthew Pewtner, Ross Wardle, Jack Dixon, Hallam Amos, Jason Tovey, Jonathan Evans; Phil Price, T. Rhys Thomas, Brok Harris, Andrew Coombs, Rynard Landman (c), James Thomas, Nic Cudd, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Owen Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Cory Hill, Lewis Evans, Richie Rees, Dorian Jones, Tyler Morgan.

Zebre: Hendrik Daniller, Giovanbattista Venditti, Giulio Bisegni, Matteo Pratichetti, Leonardo Sarto; Kelly Haimona, Brendon Leonard; Andrea Lovotti, Andrea Manici, Dario Chistolini, Quintin Geldenhuys, Marco Bortolami (capt), Filippo Cristiano, Mauro Bergamasco, Andries Van Schalkwyk

Replacements: Oliviero Fabiani, Andrea De Marchi, Luciano Leibson, George Biagi, Jacopo Sarto, Luciano Orquera, Giulio Toniolatti, Guglielmo Palazzani

Referee: Gary Conway (IRFU)