JAMES Thomas gets the nod to replace Wales lock Andrew Coombs for Newport Gwent Dragons against Newcastle tomorrow evening.

The 24-year-old came on when Coombs injured his knee in the opening stages of last Saturday’s stunning 38-22 win against Stade Francais in Paris.

Thomas, who is a blindside flanker by trade, impressed alongside Rynard Landman and is preferred to former Wales number eight Andy Powell as a makeshift lock.

Coombs is deemed fit enough to be on the bench but the Dragons are currently without Ian Gough (shoulder), Cory Hill (ankle), Matthew Screech (shoulder) and Joe Davies (shoulder) and Thomas is happy to deputise.

“It was a bit unexpected but I am excited to start for the Dragons,” said the former Wales Under-20s captain, who was given a professional after impressing in the Premiership with Bedwas.

“I am very happy to be getting the game time, even if it is in the second row rather than the back row.

“Playing alongside the likes of Rynard, you are able to learn a lot from someone like that, and I am looking forward to the game.”

The only other change to the XV sees Dan Way get the nod at tighthead with Lloyd Fairbrother dropping down to the bench where he is joined by loosehead Phil Price, who is set for a first appearance of the season after a summer foot operation.

Dorian Jones is preferred to Jason Tovey among the replacements following the fly-half’s passport mishap that meant he was unable to travel to Paris.

Dragons: L Byrne (captain), M Pewtner, T Prydie, A Smith, H Amos, A O’Brien, R Rees, B Stankovich, E Dee, D Way, J Thomas, R Landman, L Evans, N Cudd, T Faletau. Replacements: R Thomas, P Price, L Fairbrother, A Coombs, A Powell, J Evans, D Jones, A Brew.

Newcastle: S Hammersley, A Tait, T Penny, C Harris, L Smith, R Clegg, R Tipuna, R Vickers, R Hawkins, K Brookes, S MacLeod, S Robinson, W Welch (captain), A Saull, M Wilson. Replacements: A Rogers, E Fry, O Tomaszczyk, W Witty, D Temm, A Davies, C Willis, T Catterick

Referee: Alexandre Ruiz (France)