It’s also a notable occasion for Cardiff player Kristian Dacey, who makes his 150th appearance in the competition.

Thomas’ long-awaited return from a shoulder injury is one of five changes for the EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A side. Theo Cabango is reintroduced in the back three, Dillon Lewis comes into the front row, Rory Thornton will play as a lock and James Ratti also enters the pack.

The Welsh region also make one positional change, with Rhys Priestland making the move from 15 to 10.

Zabre Parma are the other EPCR Challenge Cup side in URC action on Saturday; they face Edinburgh Rugby off the back of last Saturday's 36-12 defeat at Scarlets.

The Italians make eight changes, with English fly-half Tiff Eden stepping back into the side while Italian international Alessandro Fusco will play next to him as scrum-half.

In the Gallagher Premiership, Bath Rugby play host to Northampton Saints. The EPCR Challenge Cup Pool A side make three changes for the clash, including a Premiership debut for homegrown fly-half George Worboys. The other two changes see tight-head prop Aranos Coetzee and wing Will Butt step into the XV.

In France’s TOP14, Aviron Bayonnais welcome USAP and Stade Français Paris face CA Brive in two EPCR Challenge Cup Pool B v Pool A clashes. RC Toulon also host Castres Olympique, with Section Paloise travelling to Lyon to complete Saturday’s action.

On Sunday, Dragons RFC are the only EPCR Challenge Cup contestants in action. They face Ospreys in an all-Welsh affair at Rodney Parade, with prop Lloyd Fairbrother and back-row Harri Keddie set for their 150th and 100th appearances respectively for the club.

Ben Thomas makes his return from injury to the Cardiff Rugby starting XV in their United Rugby Championship (URC) clash with the DHL Stormers.