Wales pair Botham and Grady back to boost Cardiff

James Botham made his Cardiff debut in 2018 while Mason Grady first played in 2021

United Rugby Championship: Zebre Parma v Cardiff

Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma Date: Saturday, 29 November Kick-off: 13:00 GMT

Cardiff have been boosted by the return of Wales internationals Mason Grady and James Botham for Saturday's trip to Zebre Parma (13:00 GMT).

The pair missed the first block of the United Rugby Championship (URC) through injury but are available for selection.

Wing or centre Grady sustained a shoulder injury in a friendly against Richmond at the start of September in his first appearance since suffering an ankle injury in the autumn 2024 defeat by Fiji.

Back row Botham had a knee operation this summer after missing out on the tour to Japan.

The Wales internationals have returned along with wing Iwan Stephens, who ruptured knee ligaments last December.

The return of Grady after more injury misfortune provides Cardiff with a power option to go along with livewire Tom Bowen, who scored five tries in the first block of the URC.

"He (Grady) has worked hard and been really diligent to get back onto the pitch," said coach Corniel Van Zyl.

"Mason has played 12 for Wales and 13 for us but with everything that has happened it is best for him to focus on one position.

"He is versatile, an athlete, and is big but I think he should focus on the wing."

Cardiff made an encouraging start to the URC with four wins from five but head to Italy without their Wales contingent.

Centre Ben Thomas, fly-half Callum Sheedy, props Danny Southworth and Kieran Assiratti and back row Alex Mann are poised to face South Africa, while full-back Jacob Beetham and hooker Evan Lloyd are part of the preparations.

Hooker Liam Belcher has returned from the Wales squad to rehabilitate a neck injury, while wing Josh Adams serves the final match of a suspension for a red card against Japan.

South Africa centre Cornel Smit could make his Cardiff debut after arriving from Bulls, and Bath hooker Max Pearce is poised to play on loan due to the absence of Belcher and Lloyd.