Navidi returns for European clash

Josh Navidi returns to lead Cardiff in their European Challenge Cup last 16 clash against Saracens on Sunday (KO 1pm).

The British and Irish Lion missed the derby double header against Scarlets but makes a comeback to the seven jersey at StoneX Stadium.

The Welsh international is one of 11 changes made by the Blue and Blacks, who also welcome James Botham into the back row alongside fellow academy graduate, and Wales international, Shane Lewis-Hughes, with club captain Josh Turnbull, and Ellis Jenkins injured.

Seb Davies and Rory Thornton pack down in the second row, while Kirby Myhill is ruled out having suffered a head injury against Scarlets, meaning Liam Belcher is part of a homegrown front row, slotting between Corey Domachowski and Dillon Lewis.

Behind the pack, Tomos Williams and Rhys Priestland form the half back partnership, for the first time since October, with Max Llewellyn introduced to the midfield to link up with Garyn Smith.

Owen Lane retains his spot on the wing but Hallam Amos and Aled Summerhill are both reinstated into the back three.

With Saracens currently sitting in second place in the Gallagher Premiership and targeting a first European final since 2019, Young expects a formidable challenge.

But on the back of a disappointing run of form he insists there is no better place to restore pride in the blue and black jersey.

He said: “We’re really looking forward to it. It’s a fantastic place to go to play and there’s always a good vibe there.

“Turning your focus to a new competition, cup rugby with one opportunity and against a team like Saracens, you need to focus your mind.

“It’s a great opportunity to go somewhere, put our hand up and show we’re not as bad as some people suggest at the minute.

“Some of our home performances have certainly outweighed our away ones and you need to ask why that is. That’s something we’re working on but it’s a fantastic place to go and put that record straight.

“We know we’ll need to be at our best. They’re one of the best teams in Europe with quality across the board.

“There’s going to be a fear factor in going there and that comes from if you don’t play near your standard then it will be a tough afternoon.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to go out there, play against one of the best teams and hopefully do ourselves proud.”

Will Boyde is passed fit and named on the bench, having departed early against Scarlets, while there are a total of five international amongst the replacements including Rhys Carre, Lloyd Williams and Jarrod Evans.

Cardiff Rugby: Hallam Amos; Owen Lane, Garyn Smith, Max Llewellyn, Aled Summerhill; Rhys Priestland, Tomos Williams; Corey Domachowski, Liam Belcher, Dillon Lewis, Seb Davies, Rory Thornton, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Josh Navidi (capt.), James Botham

Replacements: Kristian Dacey, Rhys Carré, Will Davies-King, Teddy Williams, Will Boyde, Lloyd Williams, Jarrod Evans, Matthew Morgan