The WRU’s plan is to get rid of overseas players going forward but the Welsh regions are currently signing them at will
The issue of non-Welsh-qualified players has long divided opinion within Welsh rugby.
Many supporters would like to see the four professional regions — Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets — restrict the number of overseas players in their squads. Others argue that the presence of high-calibre imports raises standards, both on and off the field.
Evidence supports that view. During the professional era, a succession of outstanding overseas recruits enriched the Welsh game, including Xavier Rush, Paul Tito, Regan King, Ben Blair, Jerry Collins, Marty Holah, Filo Tiatia and David Lyons.
The Welsh Rugby Union initially indicated that reducing overseas players would be part of its plans for a streamlined three-team professional structure. Yet that has not prevented the regions from continuing to recruit non-Welsh-qualified talent this summer, with a number of deals now announced or imminent.
Here is how each team fares regarding overseas signings.
Cardiff
Corniel van Zyl’s side currently has five non-Welsh qualified players signed up for next season, to our knowledge.
Former England lock Josh McNally is one of them and has been integral to Cardiff finishing in the United Rugby Championship play-offs this season.
There is also former Scotland tighthead Javan Sebastian, although he could become Welsh-qualified again after his three-year stand-down.
Cardiff have recruited former Wallabies prop Scott Sio from Exeter Chiefs who replaces Irishman Ed Byrne.
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South African scrum-half Johan Mulder has become a key player for the Welsh club over the past couple of seasons and could qualify for Wales on residency grounds in the future.
There is also Namibian international centre Le Roux Malan who joins from the Sharks.
WalesOnline understands Cardiff are also in the market for a second-row and it would not be a surprise if he were NWQ.
Cardiff NWQ players: Johan Mulder, Scott Sio, Le Roux Malan, Josh McNally, Javan Sebastian.
Dragons
The Dragons have relied heavily on NWQ players over the past couple of seasons.
Filo Tiatia’s side has eight on their books which is the maximum they can have.
The Dragons turned to the overseas market to replace Aaron Wainwright with Terrell Peita coming on board from the Blues in New Zealand.
By far the standout signing is Samoan scrum-half Ereatara Enari who signed from Super Rugby Pacific leaders the Hurricanes.
Enari has been on fire for the Hurricanes this season and will compete with Wales international Rhodri Williams and Che Hope for the number nine jersey at Rodney Parade.
Tiatia has also signed wing Anzelo Tuitavuki from French PRO D2 outfit Colomiers.
Tuituvaki will be the third Pacific Islander in the Dragons backline along with Fine Inisi and Fetuli Paea.
They also have South African outside-half Tinus de Beer on their books.
Up-front they have South African tighthead Robert Hunt who has impressed since joining from the Cheetahs while Argentinian loosehead Rodrigo Martinez is also an important player for the Men of Gwent.
Dragons NWQ players: Robert Hunt, Terrell Peita, Anzelo Tuituvaki, Fine Inisi, Fetuli Paea, Tinus de Beer, Ereatara Enari, Rodrigo Martinez.
Ospreys
With the departures of Phil Cokanasiga, Daniel Kasende and Jack Walsh, the Ospreys have the required space to sign NWQ players.
As things stand, they have South African centre Evardi Boshoff and tighthead prop Tom Botha, although Botha has now qualified for Wales on residency.
Australian second-row Ryan Smith signed for the Ospreys from Queensland Reds last season and has developed into a key player for the Welsh club.
The Ospreys have been quite active on the market and as exclusively revealed by WalesOnline today are set to sign Australia international centre Lalakai Foketi from Super Rugby Pacific outfit the Chiefs.
Mark Jones is also very keen on signing an NWQ backrower with former Wallabies Liam Wright and Lachlan Swinton two players the Ospreys have looked at.
They are also in the market for a second-row who is likely to be NWQ.
Ospreys NWQ players: Evardi Boshoff, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (not confirmed), Lalakai Foketi (not confirmed).
Scarlets
The Scarlets have relied heavily on a strong NWQ element up-front in recent seasons and that trend will continue into the 2026/27 campaign.
Nigel Davies’ side already has experienced Tongan second-row Sam Lousi, tighthead prop Archer Holz, backrower Fletcher Anderson and South African Jarrod Taylor on their books.
They could potentially see backrower Taylor leave before the start of next season with Ealing Trailfinders interested in acquiring his services.
Kiwi No 8 Anderson has been a revelation since arriving at the club and he has spoken of his interest in potentially representing Wales in the future after completing his five-year residency.
The Scarlets have also confirmed the signing of South African lock Alex Groves from the Stormers and Irish hooker John McKee from Leinster.
They have also been chasing All Blacks backrower Cullen Grace from the Crusaders while they are in the market for another lock and tighthead prop who could be NWQ.
Scarlets NWQ signings: Fletcher Anderson, Sam Lousi, Archer Holz, Alex Groves, Jarrod Taylor, John McKee, Cullen Grace (not confirmed).
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