NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have been boosted by the return of Wales lock Andrew Coombs for Sunday’s visit of Guinness Pro12 title hopefuls Ulster (kick-off 4pm).

Coombs missed last weekend’s shock 23-17 loss to bottom club Zebre with a back spasm but returns to the starting line-up.

The other change to the XV sees flanker James Benjamin start at openside with his fellow young gun Scott Matthews given the chance to repeat his impressive cameos off the bench in the LV= Cup against Exeter and London Welsh.

Ashley Smith has overcome a twisted knee to start and Ebbw Vale’s South African centre Carl Meyer will provide midfield cover.

Ulster will be captained by centre Darren Cave and are bolstered by the release of Ireland back row forward Iain Henderson.

Samoa international Mike Stanley makes his first start for the men from Belfast in midfield and the visitors’ charge will be led by overseas stars Ruan Pienaar, Nick Williams, Wiehahn Herbst and Franco Van der Merwe.

Dragons: GR Jones, T Prydie, J Dixon, A Smith, H Amos, D Jones, J Evans, B Stankovich, R Thomas (captain), B Harris, A Coombs, C Hill, J Thomas, J Benjamin, N Crosswell. Replacements: R Buckley, P Price, L Fairbrother, M Screech, S Matthews, L Jones, C Meyer, A Hewitt.

Ulster: L Ludik, C Gilroy, D Cave (captain), M Stanley, M Allen, I Humphreys, R Pienaar, C Black, R Herring, W Herbst, D Tuohy, D Van der Merwe, I Henderson, C Ross, N Williams. Replacements: J Andrew, A Warwick, B Ross, L Stevenson, R Diack, P Marshall, S Arnold, R Scholes.

Referee: Dudley Phillips (Ireland)