Dragons v Pau team news as hosts take wraps off talented teen being tipped to soar for Wales at 2027 World Cup

The Dragons are set to take the wraps off a teenager tipped for a very big future when they host Pau in the EPCR Challenge Cup on Saturday (5.30pm).

Ryan Woodman is only 18 but he played for Wales U20s last term and their coach Byron Hayward then made no attempt to disguise how highly he rated him, saying: “He will be playing for Wales in the next World Cup."

Hayward meant the 2027 global tournament, continuing: "His work rate is so high, and he proved that in the second row for us."

The youngster who can cover lock and blindside flanker is named on the bench for the date with the French in Newport. He still needs to fill out, but he showed up well with his maturity for Wales U20s.

Read more: 'Phil Bennett would be proud of those steps!' Welsh teen scores sensational try that has commentators drooling

Head coach Dai Flanagan makes two changes to his starting line-up, with Rio Dyer returning on the right wing and Aaron Wainwright figuring at No. 8.

The ultra-consistent Harri Keddie leads the side from No. 7, with the Dragons looking to back up last week’s impressive draw with the Lions in Johannesburg.

Half-backs Sam Davies and Rhodri Williams continue, having bossed matters superbly in South Africa.

Dragons RFC: Jordan Williams, Rio Dyer, Sio Tomkinson, Jack Dixon, Ashton Hewitt, Sam Davies, Rhodri Williams; Rhodri Jones, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Matthew Screech, Sean Lonsdale, Harri Keddie (c), Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Rob Evans, Lloyd Fairbrother, Ryan Woodman, Ross Moriarty, Lewis Jones, JJ Hanrahan, Max Clark.

Pau: Mathias Colombet; Thomas Carol, Nathan Decron, Jale Vatubua, Eoghan Barrett; . Thibault Debaes, Clovis Lebail; Rémi Seneca, Youri Delhommel, Nicolas Corato, Hugo Auradou, Jimi Maximin, Martin Puech (capt), Thibaut Hamonou, Brent Liufau.

Replacements: Romain Ruffenach, Siegfried Fisiihoi, Maks van Dyk

, Fabrice Metz, Sacha Zegueur, Dan Robson, Elliot Roudil, Grégoire Arfeuil.

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