Scott Sio will face his former teammates when Cardiff Rugby make their final preparations for the BKT United Rugby Championship in Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Exeter Chiefs (3pm).
The 76-cap international loosehead made the switch from Devon to Cardiff in the summer and makes his first appearance at the Arms Park.
Sio is one of nine changes to the starting line-up that took to the field at Sixways two weeks ago with a 29-man squad named.
Corniel van Zyl said: “It’s been a long pre-season and it’s great that we are coming to the end of it and I’m looking forward to this latest challenge.
“We were pleased with the Worcester game. We took a lot from it and our game-management, particularly at the end and how we finished the game was pleasing.
“Exeter will be another step up in our preparation for the season. It will be a tough test, they are big, physical and very good defensively. But we are looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to give more players important minutes, while trying out some new things.
“Everything is pointing towards the new URC campaign, it is a special season for us and we want to put our best foot forward. Hopefully there will be a good turn out on Saturday and both teams will put their game on the pitch.”
The final pre-season friendly will be streamed exclusively on Clubber TV, which supporters can sign up to for just £4.99.
Following full-time, Cardiff RFC will continue their Super Rygbi Cymru campaign against Swansea RFC.
Cardiff Rugby team to face Exeter Chiefs on Saturday, 3pm:
Cardiff Rugby: Cam Winnett; Jacob Beetham, Harri Millard, Ben Thomas, Mason Grady; Callum Sheedy, Johan Mulder, Taine Basham, Dan Thomas, Alex Mann, Teddy Williams, Josh McNally, Javan Sebastian, Liam Belcher (capt), Scott Sio.
Replacement: Evan Lloyd, Rhys Barratt, Sam Wainwright, Rory Thornton, George Nott, Ellis Bevan, Lloyd Lucas, Steffan Emanuel, Tom Manz, Lucas de la Rua, Tom Bowen, Osian Darwin-Lewis, James Botham, Matty Young.