Posted by Gethin Jenkins and T Rhys Thomas are set to welcome a number of first team players into their Cardiff Blues A side to face Dragons A at the Arms Park on Saturday.
Up until this point the matchday 23 has been made up of a majority of Indigo Group Premiership players from Cardiff, Pontypridd and Merthyr, complemented by a sprinkling of talent from the Cardiff Blues Academy.
A 28-47 defeat at home to Leinster A in round one was followed by 32-5 loss away at Ulster A last weekend, leaving us bottom of the table with just a solitary bonus point.
However, as the new Guinness Pro14 season gets ever closer, Cardiff Blues have decided to view this weekend’s game as a pre-season encounter as well as a Celtic Cup clash, agreeing with the Dragons to get first team players some game time at the Arms Park.
The home side have even gone as far to clarify the competition guidelines on whether overseas players are allowed to be selected, although the outcome of that is currently unknown.
Cardiff Blues have only organised one official pre-season game, heading to Bedford Blues on the 14th September before the season begins against Southern Kings in South Africa on 28th September.
This Saturday’s game forms part of Summerfest, with activities for youngsters including face painting, inflatables and player-led masterclasses, as well as stadium tours, the first chance to buy the new home jersey and Wales v Ireland shown on the big screen.
Entry to all of that costs just £10 for adults and £5 for children, with tickets available here, while season ticket holders admitted as part of their membership using either last season’s card or a paper ticket printed by the ticket office.
