Regions begin Celtic Cup bid

DRAGONS A will be boosted by the experience of former Wales Sevens stars Owen Jenkins and Ben Roach when the 2019-20 Celtic Cup campaign kicks-off this weekend.

Wales’ four representatives in the competition – Cardiff Blues A, Dragons A, Ospreys Development and Scarlets A – will all have their sights set on a place in the October 12 final.

Irish provinces Munster, Leinster, Ulster and Connacht are the sides standing in their way.

With Roach as captain and Jenkins starting at full-back, the Dragons are the first Welsh side in action when they travel to face Connacht Eagles at The Sportsground this afternoon (2pm).

Ospreys Development head coach Richard Fussell believes the Celtic Cup can help bridge the gap between semi-professional and A team rugby.

His team face Munster A tonight at Irish Independent Park (7.30pm).

“There is a gap underneath Guinness PRO14 and the level below and having these boys in the environment regularly can only benefit them and the Ospreys,” Fussell said. GEORGE Ford and Owen Farrell will pair up from the start for the first time in 14 months when England host Ireland at Twickenham tomorrow.

Ford continues at fly-half with captain Farrell starting at inside centre and lining up alongside Manu Tuilagi in midfield.

Former age-group international pairing Ford and Farrell last started a Test at 10 and 12 when England lost 23-12 to South Africa in Bloemfontein on June 16, 2018.

Harlequins prop Joe Marler will make his first Test start since coming out of retirement and winning a place in boss Eddie Jones’ 31-man World Cup squad.

E Daly (Saracens), J Cokanasiga (Bath), M Tuilagi (Leicester), O Farrell (Saracens), J May, G Ford, B Youngs (all Leicester), J Marler (Harlequins), J George (Saracens), K Sinckler (Harlequins), M Itoje, G Kruis (both Saracens), T Curry (Sale), S Underhill (Bath), B Vunipola (Saracens). Reps: L Cowan-Dickie (Exeter), M Vunipola (Saracens), D Cole (Leicester), C Lawes (Northampton), M Wilson (Sale), W Heinz (Gloucester), P Francis (Northampton), J Joseph (Bath).

England: