WELSH international Michael Owen has his first pre-season run-out for Newport Gwent Dragons in their friendly against Ulster at Rodney Parade on Saturday (2.30pm).

And Newport's Premier Division outside half Daniel Griffiths is set to have his first run-out at regional level with Craig Warlow doubtful with an injured shoulder sustained against Northampton last weekend.

Wales pivot Ceri Sweeney will start the game, but because of the unofficial arrangement with the Welsh Rugby Union to restrict appearances by Wales squad members, he is likely to again play one half only.

The same will also apply to other Wales members of the starting line-up such as skipper Jason Forster, Owen (who will play in the second row) and threequarters Hal Luscombe and Nathan Brew.

Ulster will be without Ireland summer tour quartet David Humphries, Tyrone Howe, Simon Best and Kevin Maggs plus summer tour stand-by member Roger Wilson, who has an ankle injury, but new Kiwi signing Campbell Feather will be on the bench,

"It will be Michael Owen's first game for us," said Dragons team manager Jim McCreedy, "but he has been training hard with the rest of the squad and is keen to be involved.

"With Ceri not expected to play a full game and Craig Warlow doubtful, we needed cover at outside half and it will give an opportunity for Daniel (who turned down a summer move to Bayonne in the French Premier Division to remain at Newport) to show his ability.

"The pre-season game against the Gwent Premiership Select XV was an outstanding exercise and showed that there are a number of players within the Premier clubs in the region who can step into the regional set-up if required.