Welsh Under 20 scrum half Jon Evans will get his second Magners League start of the season at scrum half whilst Matthew Pewtner starts on the wing.

Evans (18), who made his Dragons debut last season against the Ospreys, having gone straight from one of his A Level exams to get on the team bus has impressed this season with his form both for Newport and the national side.

“The new contracts have allowed me to be a lot more involved with the Dragons this season,” said Evans. “I never expected to be starting for the senior team this season but the coaches pick on form regardless of who you are so I intend to make the most of this opportunity. They also watch the Premiership a lot so they always know exactly what’s going on – even if you’ve not been playing for the region.

“I like to play the game at pace – Dwayne Peel is one of the players I would have watched when I was younger – I’ve always liked the speed of his game. Having come back from the Under 20’s I’m concentrating on my game so I’ve not been focussing too much on Edinburgh. The Dragons have given me a lot of opportunity and Friday is a chance to prove myself again.”

Dragons wing Adam Hughes will replace the injured Will Harries at fullback. The region is without a specialist fullback following the withdrawal of Martyn Thomas, Will Harries and Pat Leach through injury.

Dragons team for Edinburgh (Murrayfield, Friday 22 April 7:30pm)

Adam Hughes, Matthew Pewtner, Tom Riley, Ashley Smith (C), Aled Brew, Jason Tovey; Jon Evans; Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones, Dan Way, Andrew Coombs, Adam Jones, Dan Lydiate, Gavin Thomas, Joe Bearman.

Replacements

Lloyd Burns, Phil Price, Ben Castle, Lewis Evans, Toby Faletau, Matthew Watkins, Wayne Evans, Matthew Jones.