Koroibete to Make Ospreys Debut in Welsh Derby Against Dragons

Wallabies star Marika Koroibete will make his long-awaited Ospreys debut on Friday night when the Welsh region travels to Rodney Parade for a derby clash with the Dragons.

The two-time Rugby World Cup veteran starts on the wing for the Ospreys in the United Rugby Championship Round 3 fixture, which kicks off at 7:45pm UK time. His arrival adds genuine international pedigree to a Welsh rivalry that rarely needs extra spice, and gives supporters their first look at one of the most high-profile signings of the season.

The Dragons have a debut storyline of their own, with Tonga international Fetuli Paea earning his first URC start at outside center alongside Aneurin Owen in midfield. Captain Ben Carter leads the hosts from the second row as the Dragons prepare for a second consecutive Welsh derby, having faced the Scarlets last weekend.

The visitors arrive back from a tour of South Africa and will lean on their set-piece power. Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has singled out the Ospreys' scrum and their ability to win penalties through the driving maul as the areas that could decide the contest, and is expecting a bruising physical battle.

Planet Rugby has tipped the Dragons to edge it by three points in what promises to be a fiercely contested derby.