Cardiff name eight new faces in URC opener

Cardiff will hand competitive debuts to eight players as they kick-off the new BKT United Rugby Championship season at home against Zebre Parma on Friday night (19:35 KO).

With another season of change at the Arms Park, Matt Sherratt has named a new look side for the championship opener.

There are six debutants in the starting XV, with new signings Aled Davies and Callum Sheedy forming an all-international half-back partnership. Ben Thomas and Rey Lee-Lo provide a familiar midfield combination, while Mason Grady and Cam Winnett are joined by another debutant in Iwan Stephens.

Danny Southworth, who arrived from Exeter Chiefs in the summer, is handed the number one jersey, while former England international Josh McNally combines with Teddy Williams in the boilerhouse.

In the back-row, Dan Thomas makes his first competitive appearance in blue and black, alongside James Botham and Ben Donnell.

Loose-head prop Ed Byrne and scrum-half Johann Mulder are also in line to make their debuts from the replacements bench.

Cardiff head coach, Matt Sherratt, said: “It is brilliant to hand competitive debuts to eight new players, particularly with a home game at the Arms Park.

“They have all really impressed us in pre-season. They have worked hard, trained well and added something to the group.

“It is an exciting time for the club and we will continue to fight for the badge and try to play an enjoyable brand of rugby, just like last year, but with some improvements and growth both individually and collectively.

“We are now just looking forward to kicking off under the lights at Cardiff Arms Park and hope there will be a big crowd there behind us.”

Seventeen of the match-day squad are Welsh qualified, with 11 products of the club’s pathway system.

The Blue & Blacks drew with Zebre in Italy last season but will be determined to kick-off the new campaign on a winning note. Tickets are available now by calling 029 20 302030 or by visiting www.eticketing.co.uk/cardiffrugby

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett, Mason Grady, Rey Lee-Lo, Ben Thomas, Iwan Stephens, Callum Sheedy, Aled Davies, Danny Southworth, Liam Belcher ©, Keiron Assiratti, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Ben Donnell.

Replacements: Evan Lloyd, Ed Byrne, Rhys Litterick, Rory Thornton, Alun Lawrence, Johan Mulder, Tinus de Beer, Harri Millard