Wales stars back for Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff

Dragons' Aaron Wainwright, Scarlets' Taine Plumtree and Cardiff's Liam Belcher all feature after their summer with Wales in Japan

Dragons, Scarlets and Cardiff welcome back a raft of Wales internationals on Saturday afternoon in their final outings ahead of the United Rugby Championship (URC).

Scarlets arrive at Rodney Parade to face Dragons in Newport for a derby encounter (15:00 BST), while Cardiff are in Ireland to take on Leinster at Tallaght Stadium (15:00 BST).

With the URC getting under way at the end of the month, a number of Wales' summer tourists to Japan feature for their teams, while several new signings make their first appearances in new colours.

Ospreys, who lost to Exeter in Bridgend last weekend, travelled to Bristol this week for a joint training session to continue their preparations, but they will not take to the field before their South Africa double-header at Bulls and Stormers.

Carter back for Dragons after concussion

Wales lock Ben Carter will feature for Dragons after recovering from concussion

Dragons include hooker Elliot Dee in their XV while tight-head Chris Coleman, lock Ben Carter, number eight Aaron Wainwright and scrum-half Rhodri Williams are set for action from the bench.

Club co-captain Carter features for the first time since suffering a concussion in the opening minute of Wales' first Test in Japan.

Dragons, who enjoyed a seven-try, 45-12 win at English Championship club Hartpury last weekend, include summer signings Wyn Jones and Harry Beddall for the first time.

Tonga back-row forward Solomone Funaki could also make a first club outing from the bench after failing to make an appearance last season due to a knee injury.

Dragons get their URC campaign under way at Ulster on Friday, 26 September.

Scarlets return for Wales lock Ball

Lock Jake Ball made 133 Scarlets appearances in nine seasons before leaving in 2021

Scarlets feature Jake Ball in their starting line-up after the Wales lock's return to the team this summer.

The 34-year-old is joined in the squad by summer tourists Josh Macleod, Blair Murray, Macs Page, Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree and Joe Roberts.

Scarlets took on their Super Rygbi Cymru clubs Llandovery and Carmarthen Quins in 40-minute games at Church Bank last weekend.

Wales international Joe Hawkins caught the eye at fly-half after his arrival from Exeter Chiefs but returns to centre in Newport, slotting in between Costelow and Page.

Scarlets are building towards their URC opener against Munster in Llanelli on Saturday, 27 September.

Cardiff without Grady after injury blow

Cardiff back Mason Grady made his Wales debut in 2023

Cardiff are without Wales wing or centre Mason Grady, who suffered a shoulder injury in their friendly win against Richmond at the Arms Park last weekend.

The Blue and Blacks are yet to give an update on the extent of the damage for the 23-year-old, who was making his return to action after an ankle injury suffered in the opening fixture of the 2024 autumn series.

Cardiff are captained by Liam Belcher at Tallacht Stadium after the hooker made his Wales debut in Japan.

Teddy Williams and Alex Mann also start in the pack, Josh Adams and Cam Winnett are in the back three, while tight-head prop Keiron Assiratti is on the bench.

Cardiff start at home against Lions on Saturday, 27 September with head coach Matt Sherratt relishing a tough test in Dublin.

"The strength in depth Leinster have is hugely impressive and they are formidable regardless of who they select, so they present the ideal challenge for us," he said.