JAMES Thomas drops down from Guinness PRO14 action to bolster the Dragons A pack in their Celtic Cup clash with Leinster at Ystrad Mynach, writes Chris Kirwan.

The abrasive flanker/lock made his regional return in last Saturday’s 29-13 loss at Glasgow, coming off the bench at Scotstoun for his first outing since an October knee injury.

Thomas misses out on the Dragons’ derby with Cardiff Blues this weekend because of the return of Wales internationals Ollie Griffiths and Ross Moriarty.

That means he will instead provide some experience for the tough test against Leinster’s next generation at the Dragons’ training base (kick-off 2.30pm).

The 28-year-old slots in at blindside flanker, joining Wales Under-20s prospects Lennon Greggains and Taine Basham in the back row.

Academy manager James Chapron makes two other changes with Joe Davies returning at lock to form an experienced partnership with Matthew Screech while Calvin Wellington is selected on the wing.

Wales 7s international James Benjamin continues to learn the ropes in midfield after being switched from the back row.

Rhodri Davies and Jacob Botica are paired together at half-back, aiming to press for Dragons debuts after their summer moves from Rotherham and RGC respectively.

Rhys Lawrence, another new recruit from Ealing Trailfinders, is selected at hooker, meaning that former Wales and Lions front rower Richard Hibbard is set to recover from a knee injury to face the Blues.

The Dragons' hopes of topping the Welsh group and earning a place in the final are slim as they trail the Scarlets, who they visit in next week's final round, by eight points.

Leinster have won four from four and will be keen to set up a mouth-watering winner-takes-all clash with the also unbeaten Munster.

Youngsters Iwan Burgwin, Taylor Hansen, Dan Babos, Garin Price, David Richards, Rob Brookson and Joe Goodchild have been released for Premiership action this weekend.

Dragons A (v Leinster A): Carwyn Penny, Calvin Wellington, Tom Hoppe, James Benjamin, Deon Smith, Jacob Botica, Rhodri Davies; Josh Reynolds, Rhys Lawrence, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, James Thomas, Lennon Greggains (c), Taine Basham

Replacements: Zac Hewlett, Scott Evans, Luke Yendle, Max Williams, Ben Fry, Dafydd Buckland, George Gasson, Will Kelly