Dragons RFC attack coach Matt O'Brien will lead the club for the eagerly awaited Boxing Day derby against Cardiff at Rodney Parade after Filo Tiata returned to New Zealand for family reasons.

In a pre-arranged departure, Tiatia has led all match preparations as normal before returning to New Zealand to be with his father for his 80th birthday. Tiatia was initially appointed as defence coach but recently got promoted to the top job on an interim basis after the club parted ways with Dai Flanagan.

“When I first joined Dragons it was agreed that I would return home at this time to be with my father," he said.

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"I’d like to thank the club for their support and understanding around this significant moment for my family. The squad and coaching team have been fully aware of my return home throughout this block, and we have prepared as normal for the derby fixture before my departure.

“Matt O’Brien, supported by the wider coaching team, will now lead team affairs on Boxing Day before my return in preparation for the New Year’s Day fixture with Scarlets. I’d finally like to also thank our supporters for their understanding with my decision to return home for a short spell and wish them all a very Happy Christmas. I will see you all very soon.”

The Dragons welcome back Wales international Shane Lewis-Hughes who is named on the replacements bench less than three weeks after a finger amputation. Angus O'Brien will make his 100th appearance for the club in one of five changes to the side which beat Newcastle Falcons last weekend with wings Rio Dyer and Jared Rosser returning to the starting XV.

Lock Joe Davies is recalled, partnering Ryan Woodman in the second row, while Taine Basham is back at openside flanker. Dan Lydiate shifts across to blindside. Wales international Elliot Dee could make his first appearance of the season from the bench.

Taulupe Faletau is named in the Cardiff side for the second game running after an extended spell on the sidelines. Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt has made four changes to the starting XV which beat the Cheetahs last time out with Daf Hughes replacing Liam Belcher at hooker, Keiron Assiratti packing down on the tighthead and while Alex Mann comes into the backrow.

There is just one change in the backline, with Gabriel Hamer-Webb joining Josh Adams and Cam Winnett in the back-three. Tom Bowen moves to the bench following an impressive try-scoring senior debut against the Cheetahs.

“It’s always an exciting time of year and there is a good buzz among the players as we approach back-to-back Welsh derbies," said Sherratt. “I always enjoy going to Rodney Parade.

"It feels like a proper old school derby, packed to the rafters, especially after the warm up when you walk off. You get a pretty hostile reception, but that’s what it’s all about.

"I’m really looking forward to it and the players are as well. We only played the Dragons two games ago, so we don’t expect much to change tactically in that time.

“But we just have to focus on ourselves, getting our own game right and making sure we put as much of it on the field, for as long as possible.”

Dragons RFC: Huw Anderson, Rio Dyer, Joe Westwood, Aneurin Owen, Jared Rosser, Angus O’Brien (c), Rhodri Williams; Rodrigo Martinez, Brodie Coghlan, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, Ryan Woodman, Dan Lydiate, Taine Basham, Aaron Wainwright

Replacements: Elliot Dee, Aki Seiuli, Paula Latu, Nick Thomas, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Che Hope, Will Reed, Cai Evans.

Cardiff Rugby: Cameron Winnett; Josh Adams, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas (c), Gabriel Hamer-Webb; Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies; Corey Domachowski, Dafydd Hughes, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Alex Mann, Taulupe Faletau.

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Danny Southworth, Rhys Litterick, Seb Davies, Alun Lawrence, Ellis Bevan, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen.