Leicester v Dragons: Teams

England fly-half Toby Flood will make his long-awaited return for Leicester in the LV= Cup clash with the Dragons at Welford Road.

Flood has spent a lengthy spell out after damaging his Achilles, however he has been named on the bench for the visit of the Welsh region.

Matt Smith and Craig Newby have also recovered from injury to be named among the replacements, while Jeremy Staunton and Anthony Allen return to the starting XV after being rested against Leeds.

"With Toby, Newbs and Matt Smith, we're starting to get a few back from injury now, which means we have more options available," said director of rugby Richard Cockerill.

"Jeremy Staunton and Anthony Allen were left out last week because they've played a lot of rugby and we want to have all the guys fresh because it is a long season."

Former Australia winger Lote Tuqiri will make his first start for the Tigers having previously started on the bench, while Jordan Crane comes straight back into the sides after being axed by England.

The Dragons have welcomed Jason Tovey and Wayne Evans back to their starting XV for the trip to Leicester.

Steve Jones also comes back into the squad on the bench, with Shaun Connor continuing as captain.

Leicester Tigers: 15 Scott Hamilton, 14 Lote Tuqiri, 13 Andy Forsyth, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Will Hurrell, 10 Jeremy Staunton, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Jordan Crane, 7 Ben Pienaar, 6 Craig Newby, 5 Ben Kay (c), 4 Geoff Parling, 3 Dan Cole, 2 George Chuter, 1 Boris Stankovich.
Replacements: 16 Mefin Davies, 17 Robbie Harris, 18 Johnny Harris, 19 Calum Green, 20 Dan Hemingway, 21 James Grindal, 22 Toby Flood, 23 Matt Smith.

Dragons: 15 Jason Tovey, 14 Will Harries, 13 Rhodri Gomer Davies, 12 Tom Riley, 11 Aled Brew, 10 Shaun Connor (C), 9 Wayne Evans, 1 Hugh Gustafson, 2 Duane Goodfield, 3 Peter Bracken, 4 Rob Sidoli, 5 Adam Jones, 6 Hoani Macdonald, 7 Gavin Thomas, 8 Grant Webb.
Replacements: 16 Steve Jones, 17 Pat Palmer, 18 Daniel Watchurst, 19 Toby Faletau, 20 James Harris, 21 Alex Walker, 22 Adam Greendale, 23 Martyn Thomas.