NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will ring the changes in their Guinness Pro12 finale at Zebre on Saturday and hand a debut to Wales Under-20s hotshot Harri Keddie.

The Rodney Parade side head to Italy on the back of a gruelling schedule that has seen them play Gloucester and Montpellier in the European Challenge Cup and derbies against the Ospreys, Cardiff Blues and Scarlets.

Head coach Kingsley Jones will tinker with his XV for the trip to Parma, bringing an end to Taulupe Faletau's Dragons career with the Bath-bound number eight given the weekend off ahead of his summer exertions for Wales.

That, along with the absence back rowers Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd, will open the door for Keddie to make his professional bow off the bench at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi before heading for June's World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

The 19-year-old from Llanvaches was one of the stars of the Welsh young guns' Six Nations Grand Slam and has impressed for Ebbw Vale in the Principality Premiership.

"You don't throw somebody in the swimming pool unless you know they can swim," said Jones, himself a former back rower.

"We've got to teach Harrison the way and it's a big step up in level but he needs as much experience as possible and we look forward to introducing him against Zebre.

"He's tough and is a winner, but now it's about learning to play at this pace and tempo. The physicality he has at age-grade is excellent, it will be a big step up on Saturday but he just keeps on coming and doesn't stop.

"A couple of people have asked whether Harrison will take over from Toby (Faletau next season). It's unfair to put that pressure on him but we are sure he will come through.

"If he's as good as Toby at the age of 23 then that will be great but we must be realistic; he is a really promising player with the potential to go all the way. Let's not expect him to step into regional rugby and suddenly set the world alight."

Keddie is set to be joined in the squad by lock/back row James Thomas with the 25-year-old making his first regional appearance since October after suffering from a back injury.

The Dragons may be ringing the changes but head to Italy fuelled by the desire to end a nine-game losing streak in the league and avoid a Pro12 whitewash away from Rodney Parade.

Meanwhile wing Ashton Hewitt, one of the region's stars of the season, faces three to four months out following shoulder surgery and is targeting a pre-season return.