NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will start their preparations for the Guinness Pro12 by hosting Nottingham in Ystrad Mynach.

The Dragons will welcome the English Championship side to their training base for a fixture on the 3G surface on Friday, August 14 (kick-off 7pm).

The fixture will serve a dual purpose – to help Lyn Jones’ charges tune up for the league campaign and to test out the facilities at Caerphilly County Borough Centre for Sporting Excellence.

Head of Operations Mark Jones said: “EPCR (European Professional Club Rugby) rules dictate that we need a back-up ground in the event of the pitch being unplayable. The excellent 4G pitch at Ystrad Mynach provides the Dragons with a fantastic back-up in the event of adverse weather conditions.

“The pre-season match against Nottingham will allow us to test drive those facilities and to take a game out into the region.”

The game will be open to the public with season ticket holders getting first chance to buy tickets, which start at £5 for adults with under-16s free.

Tickets are not available yet but 2015/16 season ticket holders are able to reserve their places on 01633 974990 or by emailing ticketing@rodneyparadeltd.com

The Dragons play the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Friday, August 21 (kick-off 7pm) and Cardiff Blues at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday, August 29 (kick-off 12.30pm). The Pro12 starts on the first weekend of September.