Baugh likely to miss season

Dan Baugh requires operations on both knees

Cardiff v Connacht at The Arms Park, Saturday 18 August, kick-off 1430 BST.

Cardiff flanker Dan Baugh looks likely to miss most of the new season with injury.

Baugh suffered a leg problem during the team's pre-season tour to France, and will now have surgery on both knees

The Canadian international said: "This is obviously a blow, but after another knock recently I was left with no option."

The Blue & Blacks meanwhile have named a youthful team to face Connacht in their opening match in the Celtic League at the Arms Park on Saturday (17.30 BST).

A dozen players in the squad are under 24, with Cardiff director of rugby Rudy Joubert confident of their talent.

Regular

"I'm a believer in giving young players a chance and that is what we are doing. Throughout the season all members of the squad will have regular rugby."

New Zealand wing Craig Hudson and former Northampton centre Matt Allen are included, but internationals Craig Quinnell, Pieter Muller and Peter Rogers will be on the bench.

The side will be led by lock John Tait, and includes former Cardiff Youth captain Greg Woods and brothers Jamie and Nick Robinson.

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Cardiff: R Williams; C Hudson, J Robinson, M Allen, P Jones; N Robinson, R Powell; S John, G Woods, G Powell, A Jones, J Tait (capt), R Appleyard, M Griffin, R Sowden-Taylor.
Replacements: K Fourie, P Rogers, C Quinnell, D McShane, C Miller, P Muller, A N Other.

Connacht: G Duffy; P Duignan, D Yapp, T Allnutt, W Munn; E Elwood, C Keane; D McFarland, M Uijs, P Bracken, M McConnell (capt), R Frost, M Swift, D Dillon, P Neville.
Replacements: R McCormack, T Kearns, C Rigney, J O'Connor, D Browne, E Reddan, M McHugh, D McCabe.