Lion James' early return

Dafydd James returns early from life with the Lions

Scrum V Live: Bridgend v Pontypridd, Friday 17 August, BBC2 Wales 1845 BST (kick-off 1905 BST).

Also live commentary on BBC Radio Wales - listen online

Dafydd James will be the first British Lion to roar back into action for his club when he lines up for Bridgend against Pontypridd on Friday.

It was expected that James, who played in the three Tests and scored a try in the first, would take a rest after his Australian exertions.

But the Wales winger, who joined Bridgend in a big money move from Llanelli at the end of last season, is eager to begin his second spell at the Brewery Field.

He is set to line up in the televised clash, which counts in both the Welsh-Scottish League and Celtic League.

Transformation

"I've got to pay back the club in some way," said James. "Leighton Samuel (Bridgend managing director) brought me to the club and there are a number of injuries which mean I may have to play.

"But I'm looking forward to it. It's great to be here, and a great opportunity to prove myself - and show the home supporters I'm back and trying to produce a good performance.

"I know a lot of the Lions won't be playing, but it's one of those things," added the winger who has won 32 Welsh caps.

"It's the first game of the season and being televised live. I'm sure that everyone wants to produce a good display for the home fans."

It's great to be back, and a great opportunity to prove myself

Dafydd James

James, who earned his first cap against Australia in 1996 as a Bridgend player before spells at Pontypridd and Llanelli, said he could hardly believe the changes at the Brewery Field.

"The transformation of the facilities is amazing. Leighton is turning the ground into a stadium and he wants a team to help fulfil his dream.

"Bridgend are playing an attractive brand of rugby, they've got the financial backing and the support of the community. These are exciting times.

"Leighton has put together the financial side and it is important that the players realise we have got to go out there and produce the performances."

But while James will be making his Bridgend return, another prodigal son won't be in the team.

Wales wing Gareth Thomas, who has returned to the Brewery Field from Cardiff, is getting married earlier in the day.

Pontypridd have a slight doubt over the fitness of young loosehead prop Gethin Jenkins, who is nursing a badly bruised shoulder.

Coach Richie Collins has Lloyd Howell on standby to take over in the starting line-up at the Brewery Field.

Scrum half Paul John is targetting a return to a top five finish for Pontypridd after the Sardis Road side ended out of the Heineken Cup for the first time last season.

"It's vital for the future of the club and to attract players to the club that we play in the Heineken Cup," said John.

"We will doing our best in the league - and the European Shield, where we have as good draw. But we have to start off well."

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Bridgend: J Taumalolo; G Jones, D James, A Durston, D Jones; C Rees, H Harries (capt); A Griffiths, J Clark, J Thiel, P Clapham, C Stephens, M Molitika, J Ringer, N Budgett.
Replacements (from): J Devereux, M Peters, P Williams, J Hewlett, C Loader, A Joy, O Lloyd, R Bryan, S van Rensburg.

Pontypridd: B Davey; G Wyatt, S Parker, J Lewis, R Johnston; C Sweeney, P John; G Jenkins/L Howell, M Davies, D Bell, N Kelly, B Cockbain, D McIntosh (capt), R Parks, M Owen.
Replacements (from): C Williams, A Lawson, G Baber, L Howell, G Evans, F Vunipola, J Griffiths, R Field.