SCOTTISH international Ross Beattie (pictured below) is back to boost Newport Gwent Dragons for tomorrow night's top-of-the-table battle against Ulster at Rodney Parade.

The match is set to go ahead as the pitch is in good condition under the snow, but it will depend on ground conditiuons tomorrow.

Beattie, controversially left out of the Six Nations squad, has missed the last three matches against Leinster, Llanelli Scarlets and Neath-Swansea Ospreys with a troublesome thigh injury.

But fellow back row forward Bob Skinstad fails to make it after also injuring a thigh muscle during his first start against the Ospreys.

Beattie is at number eight, with Shawn van Rensburg, whose strong ball carrying has been a feature of recent games, at blindside in place of Jamie Ringer and Jason Forster at openside.

"Bob hasn't been able to train all week and we didn't want to risk him being out for a few weeks by taking a direct hit on it," said coach Mike Ruddock.

"It's a bit horses for courses. The last time we played Ulster at Rodney Parade, Ross was very physical and aggressive and we want him to do the same job.

"Shawn carries the ball and snaffles it on the ground, and we've got the ball skills of Jamie to come on."

Winger Ben Breeze takes a well deserved break by missing his first game of the season. He has started all 20 games the Dragons have played, a remarkable achievement.

But this time he makes way for Hal Luscombe, who has been released from the Wales squad, as has Michael Owen which is timely in view of the absence of Ian Gough, whose damaged ankle ligaments will keep him out for another few weeks at least.

Also still missing is tight head prop Chris Anthony whose shoulder injury keeps him out.

Wales Under-21 cap Rhys Thomas retains his place, with current under-21 international Luke Charteris on the bench and Adam Black starting at loose head.