NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will play a pre-season derby with fiercest rivals Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade as part of Lewis Evans and Ashley Smith's beneficiary year.

The friendly clash will take place in Newport on Friday, August 12 (kick-off.7.30pm), starting the Dragons' preparations for the Guinness Pro12 campaign.

Kingsley Jones' men also play tune-ups against Ealing Trailfinders in Ystrad Mynach on Saturday, August 20 (kick-off 3pm) and Exeter in Newport on Friday, August 26 (kick-off 7.30pm), as well as attempting to retain their Singha Premiership 7s crown.

The Blues encounter will raise money for flanker Evans' and former centre Smith's chosen charities St David's Hospice Care and Stay Strong for Ows.

Smith said "We are delighted we were able to arrange our beneficiary match against our biggest local rivals.

"We have had some fantastic battles with Cardiff Blues over the years and despite this being a pre-season match we know the rivalry on the pitch will be as fierce as ever."

Evans said "We have arranged a number of different events this year and wanted this beneficiary match to give us an opportunity to celebrate with all of our supporters together.

"This includes our pre-match hog roast in the We Fight Any Claim Family Zone. This event brings together legends from both sides to celebrate the rivalry the Dragons and Blues we have enjoyed over the years."

Tickets cost £10 for adults, £5 for season ticket holders and general members and £5 for concessions and under-16s.

The pre-match hog roast takes place from 5:30pm. Entry includes a match ticket, food, a player Q&A and live music, costing £30 for standard entry or £25 for Dragons members and concessions.

For ticketing enquiries please call 01633 674990 or email ticketing@rodneyparadeltd.com.

The Ealing and Exeter games are included in season tickets.