As the first match of the new season beckons for the Cardiff Blues, Director of Coaching, David Young, will name his squad to face Pontypridd on Wednesday.
Having returned from a very successful training camp in Limerick the players met up with supporters at the annual family fun day on Sunday before resuming training.
“I’m sure the boys are looking forward to the match and putting into practice some of the things we have been working on over the summer,” said Young.
“It’s still early in pre season so don’t expect us to be perfect, but it’s nice to be testing ourselves under pressure, and I’m sure Ponty will provide that.”
The match will see many new faces appear for the Blues with Jason Spice, Richie Rees, Paul Tito and Tal Selley all set to feature.
“It’s important to give everyone game time now and I’m sure Ponty will do the same. I think we’ll see both teams using their full squad and trying to give everyone about 40 minutes of game time.”
Two players who won’t be featuring will be Nick Robinson and Robin Sodwen-Taylor who have been training with Wales since last week.
Team Captain, Xavier Rush is also likely to miss this game due to a minor neck injury. Duane Goodfield is also unlikely to feature against his old club after his operation to repair damage to his shoulder although he is expected to be fit for the Gloucester match.
Andy Powell who also had shoulder surgery is on course to be back at the end of September / beginning of October, while Chris Czekaj is the only long term injury after breaking a bone in his upper leg playing for Wales against Australia.
Cardiff Blues can also confirm that they will play an additional warm up game against Cardiff RFC on Wednesday the 15th of August at the Arms Park, 7.15pm kick off.
Entrance to the match is free to all, with the South Terrace open and South Stand operating on an unreserved seating basis.