Thomas Young will wear the Blue and Black jersey for the first time since his summer move from Wasps as Cardiff welcome Zebre Parma to the capital for their final pre-season clash on Friday (KO 7.15pm).
With just a week remaining until Cardiff kick off their BKT United Rugby Championship campaign at home against Munster, Dai Young has three changes to the starting line-up from last week.
Following last week’s defeat to Gloucester, the Blue and Blacks welcome a number of internationals back into the match-day squad including new signings in Young and Tongan lock, Lopeti Timani.
Welsh international Young replaces Shane Lewis-Hughes in the back row, as James Botham switches to the blindside and captain Josh Turnbull retaining his place at number eight.
The only other change in the pack sees Keiron Assiratti given the nod at tighthead, having appeared as a replacement at Kingsholm last week.
There is just a single change to the backline, with Samoan international Rey Lee-Lo introduced at outside centre, having missed last week’s outing following the birth of his child.
Jarrod Evans and Lloyd Williams continue their half back partnership, with Jacob Beetham, Owen Lane and Aled Summerhill forming the back three.
Sitting alongside lock Timani on the bench are returning internationals Rhys Carré and Uilisi Halaholo. Prop Carré toured South Africa with Wales over the summer, while centre Halaholo has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered during the latter stages of 2021/22.
Entrance for Friday’s pre-season clash is included as part of 22/23 Season Memberships, with tickets still available for the encounter.
Cardiff: Jacob Beetham; Owen Lane, Rey Lee-Lo, Max Llewellyn, Aled Summerhill; Jarrod Evans, Lloyd Williams; Corey Domachowski, Kristian Dacey, Keiron Assiratti, Matthew Screech, Seb Davies, James Botham, Thomas Young, Josh Turnbull (capt.)
Replacements: Liam Belcher, Rhys Carré, Will Davies-King, Lopeti Timani, Rory Thornton, Teddy Williams, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Gwilym Bradley, Ellis Bevan, Rhys Priestland, Uilisi Halaholo, Mason Grady, Jason Harries, Matthew Morgan
Unavailable for selection:
Ben Thomas (shoulder) - November
Josh Navidi (Neck) - October/November
Kirby Myhill (Hamstring) - September
Theo Cabango (Shoulder) - September
James Ratti (Glute) - September
Ellis Jenkins - Returned to training this week.