JAMES Stephenson will make his competitive debut for Warriors in tomorrow’s LV= Cup clash with Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park (7.30pm).

The former Bedford Blues winger, who has been a regular for Worcester Cavaliers this season, is one of 12 changes from the side that hosted Bath last Friday.

New signing Andy Symons could also make his Warriors bow after being named on the bench and he is joined among the replacements by former King’s School Worcester pupil and Warriors academy scrum-half George de Cothi.

Jon Clarke gets his first taste of action under Dean Ryan and is named at centre alongside Max Stelling.

Josh Drauniniu returns to the line-up after missing the last two games, while Ben Howard is given the nod at full-back.

Ignacio Mieres will start at fly-half, while scrum-half Paul Hodgson is given the captain's armband on his return to action.

Rob O'Donnell gets his first start of the season, while Jeremy Becasseau, Ed Shervington, Mike Williams and Sam Betty all return to the starting line-up.

Director of rugby Ryan said: "The LV= Cup is an important competition because it gives youngsters a chance.

“The teams who have approached the competition in the right way have been able to develop the back-end of their squad.

"The selections that tend to be made are full of youngsters looking to impress and play the game at a high tempo.

"The season is long and there are some people that haven't necessarily had the chance to demonstrate to me and to everyone else where they are. This weekend and next weekend gives them a chance.

"It's about building momentum. This club needs to focus on the total group. We need to create opportunities.

"We can't talk about youngsters and then starve them of opportunities and tomorrow’s selection reflects this.”

Warriors: Howard; Drauniniu, Clarke, Stelling, Stephenson; Mieres, Hodgson; Becasseau, Shervington, O'Donnell, Williams, Jones, Betty, Abbott, Senatore. Replacements: Seymour, Porter, Fainga'anuku, Schofield, Thomas, de Cothi, Warwick, Symons.