Regan Grace will make his senior debut for Cardiff as the Blue & Blacks make nine changes for their European Challenge Cup clash with Perpignan on Saturday (1pm KO GMT).

The rugby league convert joined from Bath on Monday and goes straight into the starting XV for the Stade Aime Giral encounter in Round Three of the competition.

Grace is one of six changes in the backline and forms an exciting back three with Tom Bowen and Cameron Winnett. Aled Davies and Tinus de Beer combine at half-back, while Rory Jennings and Rey Lee-Lo form the midfield partnership.

In the pack, Rhys Barratt makes his first start for the club, in the front-row with Evan Lloyd and Kieron Assiratti. Elsewhere Josh McNally and Alex Mann return to the starting line-up.

Cardiff go into the encounter in third place in the pool with six points, following a narrow defeat to Lyon and a bonus-point victory over Toyota Cheetahs.

Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt, said: “We’re heading there with a really positive mindset, aiming to secure the win – that’s our focus.

“They have a fairly structured attacking approach in terms of their shape. But with their frequent squad rotations, like we saw against the Cheetahs and Connacht, it’s tough to predict their lineup.

“Given that, they’ll likely make changes as we do, so we’ve chosen to prioritise our own game. Normally, our preparation involves an 80-20 split between focusing on ourselves and the opposition, but this time it’s closer to 95-5.

“Our objective is to secure a home game for the knockouts, but beyond that, it’s about continuing to build and grow the squad.

“Playing in France is unlike anywhere else. The pre-match experience feels almost like a carnival, with the rugby match at the heart of it. It’s something the players really look forward to.”

In the replacements, there is a welcome return from injury for Mackenzie Martin, while the likes of Seb Davies, Ben Thomas and Jacob Beetham are also included.

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Regan Grace, Rey Lee-Lo, Rory Jennings, Tom Bowen, Tinus de Beer, Aled Davies, Rhys Barratt, Evan Lloyd, Kieron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams (capt), Alex Mann, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Danny Southworth, Will Davies-King, Seb Davies, Mackenzie Martin, Johan Mulder, Ben Thomas, Jacob Beetham.