Steff Hughes will captain the Scarlets for the first Guinness Pro 14 fixture of the Brad Mooar era against Connacht this evening.
The Scarlets are without 15 players who are on international duty at the World Cup in Japan but have selected a squad brimming with young Welsh talent for a match which is live on S4C.
“We are all excited to get started against a very good Connacht side, who have enjoyed a successful pre-season of results,” said Mooar.
“There are two sides with really good intent, it should be a great game of rugby. I think Connacht are a really lively group and they are very passionate about their club and their jersey.
“They play for each other and have a lot of continuity and cohesion. They get excited on the ball and are physical off it, so I am expecting a tough game.
“I think it will be an exciting game and we really can’t wait to get into them. We highly respect them and it will be a good occasion.”
Wales under 20s speedster Ryan Conbeer starts on the wing and he is joined in an attractive looking back-three by Johnny McNicholl and Wales international Steff Evans.
Hughes is partnered in midfield by versatile Australian Paul Asquith with Dan Jones and Kieran Hardy at half-back. Up-front experienced Wales props Rob Evans and Samson Lee join hooker Marc Jones in the front-row with Steve Cummins and Lewis Rawlins at lock.
Tom Phillips, Josh Macleod and former Springboks No 8 Uzair Cassiem form a powerful and dynamic back-row. Connacht arrive at Parc Y Scarlets with a strong side having only lost four players to the Ireland World Cup squad so the west Walians will have to be at their very best to get a result.
Supporters of Wales’ four regions will be able to follow their team throughout the campaign with live and deferred games on S4C.
The Clwb Rygbi team return with three matches this weekend. Live coverage of Scarlets v Connacht is tonight at 5.15pm and there will be deferred coverage of Ulster v Ospreys, at 3.10pm on Sunday 29 September, and Southern Kings v Cardiff Blues, at 10pm on Monday 30 September.
Throughout the season, Clwb Rygbi, will show 17 live matches and a further 40 deferred games. Should a Welsh region progress to the Pro 14 final, at the Cardiff City Stadium next June S4C will have live coverage of the game.
Matches will be broadcast live on television and online and available on catch up for 35 days on S4C Clic.
