Glamorgan Wanderers begin life in Division 1 East with a tough encounter against last season’s league champions.
“We couldn’t ask for a tougher start. Ebbw will be very strong again this season,” commented head coach Chris Ower. “Our last encounter will have no bearing on this game. It’s a fresh start for both sides,” he added.
The Wanderers welcome a host of new faces to the memorial ground for the opening day of the season. In the backs Ian Overton starts on the wing with new outside half Rhys Gosling getting his first start for the club in a half back partnership with veteran Harry Trelawny.
Up front there is a new second row partnership with John George and John Ciaburro getting their first Wanderers outings. There is also a new front row combination with newcomer Mike Catris joining Mel Lewis and Ryan Beddows.
Captain Lee Highgate starts as blindside flanker with Carl Kimber starting at No 8 after an injury-hit last season.
Glamorgan Wanderers 15 Ceri Llewellyn 14 Ian Overton 13 Ciaran O’Driscoll 12 James Thatcher 11 Joe Xiberras 10 Rhys Gosling 9 Harry Trelawny; 1 Ryan Beddows 2 Mike Catris 3 Mel Lewis 4 James Ciaburro5 John George 6 Lee Highgate 7 Nick Hampson 8 Carl Kimber
Replacements: 16 Jack Hopkins 17 Dan Evans 18 Dan Crimmins 19 Tim Cronin 20 Scott Sneddon