Also included in the Blues backrow is Wexford born Robin Copeland who was a teammate of Sean Dougall at Rotherham Titans before they went separate ways that now sees them confront each other on Saturday.

Jason Tovey makes a return to Musgrave Park. The Blues full-back was out-half on the Cross Keys team beaten in last years British & Irish Cup final at this venue.

Cardiff Blues: Jason Tovey; Owen Williams, Richard Smith, Jamie Roberts, Harry Robinson; Rhys Patchell, Lewis Jones; Sam Hobbs, Rhys Williams, Benoit Bourrust;  Bradley Davies, Lou Reed; Josh Navidi capt, Sam Warburton, Robin Copeland.Replacements: Kritian Dacey, Paetru Tamba, Scott Andrews, James Down, Luke Hamilton, Alex Walker, Ceri Sweeney, Leigh Halfpenny.

Tickets for the game will be on sale on the night.