WE are proud to have the first captain of a British Lions team playing in Wales, says Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner, pictured, ahead of tonight's historic game between the Lions and Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.

Dragons number eight Michael Owen will lead the Lions against Argentina two days before they leave for their 11-match tour to New Zealand, rather than tour captain, brilliant Ireland centre Brian O'Driscoll.

Owen took over the Wales captaincy from Gareth Thomas for the final two matches of Wales' Grand Slam winning season after Thomas broke his thumb against France.

Now he leads the Lions, and he will have Dragons team-mate Gareth Cooper in the Lions team with him after missing a large part of the season with knee and ankle injuries.

"It makes us extremely proud as a region to have Michael and Gareth representing the Lions, Michael as captain," said Turner.

"It's a great honour for Michael to lead the British Lions. They have never played in Wales before, so this is a first and we are the region with the Wales and Lions captain.

"That is a big honour and it's a real bonus for us, though it's a shame we won't see them for the first six weeks of next season," he added, referring to the break Lions players will have to take after the tour.

Meanwhile, ex-Canada captain Gareth Rees and a former Newport points-scoring record-holder, has backed the appointment of Turner as Dragons coach, knowing all about him from his playing days in the Zurich Premiership.

"It's a great appointment. I know Paul well, he's a great mind of the modern game and he proved that at Sale when he was player-coach there," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for the club and the community. You have got a local boy and the fans should get in behind him. He'll give his all for the club and he knows his stuff, he's a class act. If guys like us are happy with Paul as coach, then so should be the community.

"I've played against Paul and the teams he's coached and I've got a lot of respect for him."

Former Newport prop Ceri Jones could return to Rodney Parade with the Dragons from Harlequins, where Turner was backs coach before getting the Dragons hot seat.

Jones made nearly 100 appearances for Newport in four and a half seasons before joining Harlequins. He would like to return, but he has a year left on his Harlequins contract, and if the relegated English club continue to insist on a transfer fee the deal may not go through.

Tickets were still available for tonight's game by phoning 08705 582 582 (until noon), from the Millennium Stadium shop, 98 St Mary Street (until kick off) and booths will be open at gates 6&7 from 4pm until kick off.