Wales under-21 wing Chris Czekaj will make his Blues’ debut in the Celtic League match aginst Ulster at Cardiff Arms Park on Friday evening.

The strapping 6’2″ Cardiff Schools and Academy product will not be 20 until next December but he is already earmarked for a bright future. Five tries in as many games for the Grand Slam Wales under-21 side has attracted attention, as has his performances for Cardiff in the Premier Division.

Blues’ director of rugby David Young has no doubts about his surprise selection for what is another vital match for his side. He said,

“Chris has been making steady progress for the Cardiff club team and done particularly well for Wales under-21s. Scott Johnson is among those suitably impressed by him and we have decided that he deserves a chance with the Blues before the end of the season.”

Rhys Williams also returns for the Blues after shaking off a leg injury. He will play at outside centre alongside Tom Shanklin with Nick Macleod continuing at full-back. One doubt in the pack is at tight-head prop where Gethin Jenkins is due for a scan on a shoulder injury.

Team: Nick Macleod; Chris Czekaj, Rhys Williams, Tom Shanklin, Craig Morgan; Nick Robinson, Ryan Powell; John Yapp, Gareth Williams, Gethin Jenkins/Ben Evans, Craig Quinnell, Robert Sidoli, Robin Sowden-Taylor, Kort Schubert, Martyn Williams (captain)

Replacements: Ben Evans/Nathan Llewellyn, Rhys Thomas, Nathan Budgett, Nathan Thomas, Maama Molitika, Dean Dewdney, Tristan Davies/Jonny Vaughton

Referee: David Changleng (Scotland)