The Ospreys have named a youthful squad containing a sprinkling of experience for Friday night's opening pre-season fixture against T14 newcomers Lyon in Chens Sur Leman on the French/Swiss border.
Scott Johnson and his coaching team will cast their eye over their players in a game hosted by Swiss club Hermance RRC to commemorate their 40th anniversary, a fixture that will rekindle a number of old relationships after Hermance and Swansea RFC exchanged visits during the seventies, facing each other on the rugby field several times.
Speaking ahead of the game, Director of Coaching Johnson said:
"We've taken a measured view as to where certain individuals are in their preparations for the new season and have selected accordingly.
"With a number away with their respective national squads we want to have a good look at everybody we have available and to make sure everyone gets a chance.
"Some players need another week to be ready, and they will get their time against Russia, but those selected for Friday night have an opportunity to make an early impression against difficult opponents who are a little further down the road in their preparations.
"There are a number of young kids travelling, some that people may be aware of, some that you won't. Boys who are home grown and working hard to follow in the footsteps of people like Dan Biggar, Justin Tipuric, Ryan Bevington, Ashley Beck and Rhys Webb, local boys who have come through our development pathway to represent their region.
"This is an exciting time for them and I'm enjoying working with them in pre-season. It's going to be interesting to see who takes their chance and comes through this year."
Ospreys squad
BACKS
Barry Davies
Kristian Phillips
Luke Morgan
Ben John
Will Price
Sonny Parker
Dai Flanagan
Sam Davies
Matthew Morgan
Tom Grabham
Matthew Torrance
FORWARDS
Matthew Dwyer
Arthur Ellis
Duncan Jones
Ken Dowding
Cai Griffiths
Will Taylor
Daniel Suter
Ian Evans
James Goode
Lloyd Peers
Morgan Allen
James King
Sam Lewis
Ben Thomas