FORMER Springbok Zane Kirchner will make his first appearance of the summer in the Dragons A’s Celtic Cup warm-up against the Ospreys Development.

The 34-year-old will line up at outside centre in the clash at Ystrad Mynach (kick-off 2.30pm), his first action since returning late for pre-season training because of visa issues.

Kirchner is one of a handful of senior players that will be looking to impress head coach Bernard Jackman after being left out of the Guinness PRO14 opener against Benetton.

Centre Connor Edwards captains a team that features flanker James Benjamin, loosehead Gerard Ellis, hooker Rhys Lawrence, a summer recruit from Ealing, lock Joe Davies and fly-half Arwel Robson, who is on the comeback trail from a summer ankle operation.

Summer signings from RGC 1404 Jacob Botica and Tiaan Loots are among the replacements.

The Dragons kick off their Celtic Cup campaign against Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade next Friday.

Entry to the Ospreys game is free to season ticket holders and juniors and £5 for adults.

Dragons A: W Talbot-Davies, G Gasson, Z Kirchner, C Edwards (captain), D Smith, A Robson, D Babos, G Ellis, R Lawrence, C Coleman, J Davies, M Williams, L Greggains, J Benjamin, T Basham. Replacements: Z Hewlett, J Reynolds, L Yendle, E Scragg, B Fry, D Buckland, J Botica, J Goodchild, T Loots, D Richards, C Penny.