Hennessey to make debut as Cardiff change seven

Louie Hennessey will make his senior debut as Cardiff take on Ospreys in the BKT United Rugby Championship on New Year’s Day (3pm).

The centre, who came through the club’s pathway and returned on a short-term loan from Bath earlier this month, is one of seven changes to the side that secured a bonus-point victory over Dragons RFC on Boxing Day.

Hennessey partners Ben Thomas, who continues as captain, in the centre, while Wales international Ellis Bevan comes in at scrum-half with Aled Davies moving to the replacements.

In the forwards, there are five further changes with Danny Southworth and Evan Lloyd packing down alongside Kieron Assiratti in the front-row. Seb Davies makes his first URC start of the season, while Dan Thomas and Alun Lawrence return to starting spots in the back-row. 

Cardiff go into 2025, sitting third in the BKT United Rugby Championship table but head coach Matt Sherratt is acutely aware of the magnitude of the task at hand.

He said: “It’s a case of dust yourselves down and go again (after Boxing Day). The Ospreys are a good side and that had a great win against the Scarlets before Christmas. 

“At the moment, all derbies are tight games with four teams who are quite evenly matched. It’s about coming out on the right side of those little moments.

“We will need to be at our best but we are looking forward to getting back in front of our home crowd at the Arms Park. 

“The game is already sold out and it promises to be a great occasion. These are the games everyone wants to be a part of and there is a real sense of excitement in the group.” 

Sherratt has opted for a 6-2 split on the replacements bench, with Thomas Young returning among the forwards and Rory Jennings providing the three-quarter cover. 

Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Josh Adams, Louie Hennessey, Ben Thomas (capt), Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Callum Sheedy, Ellis Bevan; Danny Southworth, Evan Lloyd, Kieron Assiratti, Seb Davies, Teddy Williams, James Botham, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence.

Replacements: Daf Hughes, Corey Domachowski, Rhys Litterick, Josh McNally, Thomas Young, Taulupe Faletau, Aled Davies, Rory Jennings.