Jason Spice will begin his Celtic Rugby career at St. Helens as he and his new Ospreys team-mates face former Celtic champions Munster on Friday night. (kick-off 19:05)
The Irish province have opted to leave their international contingent across the water for this match, a decision not mirrored by Ospreys coach Lyn Jones who has picked Wales players Jon Thomas and Shane Williams.
Wales duo Sonny Parker and Duncan Jones will warm the bench.
'I am looking forward to what will be an exciting start to the season with
the big match on Friday night," said an upbeat Jones.
"The playing and coaching staff are keen to get the season up and running. As was the case last season we have pulled together a new squad, and we may need time to grow as a team, but hope we have enough individual quality to carry us through this period.
"Muster are amongst my favourite teams in the league, as they are always will drilled and have great organisation on and off the park. They are an example of where we are striving to get to, but are still a few years ahead of us.
"They have developed a great side under Alan Gaffney, have had some success over recent years, and have a support base that will demand that this continues. They have recruited well at outside half in Paul Burke, and have a fine set of backs, complimented by a strong platform up front. I am sure they will pose a formidable challenge'
The Ospreys finished the Celtic League in fifth spot last term, and with the addition of a host of the Warriors' top stars, the south-west-Wales region will look to advance at least one place.
Ospreys: G Henson; S Terblanche, D Bishop, E Seveali'i, S Williams; M Jones, J Spice; P James, B Williams (capt), A Millward, A Newman, L Bateman, J Thomas, R Pugh, R Jones.
Replacements (from): A Durston, S Parker, A Williams, D Jones, R Hibbard, B Cockbain, N Bonner-Evans.
Munster: C Cullen; S Payne, M Mullins, J Storey, A Horgan; P Burke, M Prendergast; F Roche, J Flannery, G McIlwham, S O'Connor, T Hogan, S Keogh, D Leamy, J Williams.
Replacements: J Kelly, J Holland, E Reddan, M Storey, J Blaney, J O'Connor, D Ryan.
Referee: Rob Dickson (Scotland)
