Unsurprisingly, the uncertainty in Welsh rugby has affected recruitment this year
Unsurprisingly, given there is currently uncertainty over how many professional clubs there will be in the years to come, player recruitment has been more than a little slow this season.
Whether it is four clubs or three remains the main bone of contention in Welsh rugby. Even now, just a couple of months before the end of the season, it’s difficult to predict what will happen on that front – with an EGM and possible legal action on the horizon.
With all that, it’s little surprise that bringing players into Welsh rugby’s febrile environment is no mean feat.
Merely keeping hold of the current playing pool is difficult enough.
Every club would admit that retention has been the focus to date. As such, just one new addition has been officially confirmed for next season.
Unfortunately, there’s been a few more outgoings already signed off.
Cardiff
In the Welsh capital, Cardiff coach Corniel van Zyl has been focused on retention.
Youngsters Tom Bowen and Steffan Emanuel have penned new deals. However, there’s been no new additions – although former fly-half Jarrod Evans has been linked with a return to the Arms Park.
In terms of departures, versatile forward Ben Donnell will join Ulster on a three-year deal. Able to operate in both the second-row and back-row, the former England U20s international – who joined Cardiff in 2023 – is also Irish-qualified.
Another Wales international, Christ Tshiunza, looked to be the perfect replacement for Donnell. However, he has reportedly agreed to join Sale Sharks when he leaves Gallagher Prem club Exeter at the end of this current season.
Dragons
The only Welsh club to do any business, the Dragons have signed Tonga wing Anzelo Tuitavuki from Colomiers ahead of next season.
So far, that is as good as it has got.
However, they will be losing Wales No. 8 and talisman Aaron Wainwright. The 28-year-old is off to Leicester Tigers next season for a fresh challenge.
As their best player, having been a mainstay in their side since making his debut in 2017, Wainwright’s exit is a major blow for the Men of Gwent.
Terrell Peita, currently a member of Auckland Blues’ Super Rugby squad, is understood to be in line to become the Dragons’ second signing ahead of next season.
Ospreys
Last month, Ospreys head coach Mark Jones admitted that no new signings were in the pipeline at that stage.
“There’s some good conversations going on around players of interest,” said the former Wales wing. “The focus is on retention.
“Once those pieces are in, it allows us to be strategic around what we need.”
That’s unsurprising, given they are currently fighting for their very existence. The Ospreys’ future remains unclear.
Jones did confirm that they can sign players ahead of next season, although there is “some criteria around it”.
“If they’re players of Welsh national interest, we can recruit them with lengths of contract that the WRU are happy to support,” explained the mid Walian. “If they are outside of that group and don’t fit the criteria of the national governing body, then we can only offer them contracts up to the end of our PRA agreement (2027).
“That’s what our guaranteed funding is. There’s criteria we have to follow, but we can sign players.”
On the other side of the coin, it’s been a brutal time for the Ospreys.
Losing Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake is rough however you dress it up. Wales’ two captains, the Ospreys’ captain and vice-captain, the club’s two best players.
Seeing both head to Gloucester next season – with centre Phil Cokanasiga joining them at Kingsholm – is a body blow.
Uncapped Wales second-row James Fender is also leaving, joining French Pro D2 club Grenoble.
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Scarlets
Again, no incomings confirmed yet – but interim director of rugby Nigel Davies did confirm last week that they are working hard to bring players in to beef up their pack
In fact, it would appear that a deal is close to being done for a new signing, but he didn’t reveal who.
“We don’t have enough senior professionals compared to other regions, and that affects things like the training environment,” said Davies.
“We’re very active in that area and we’ve had some positive news this week which should be announced soon.”
He added: “The pack is a key area for us. We need to freshen it up, add more ball-carrying and make sure our set-piece is where it needs to be. Without those fundamentals, we won’t be able to play the way we want.”
Wales prop Corey Domachowski has been on the Scarlets’ radar, but whether he leaves Cardiff remains to be seen.
In terms of outgoings, South African hooker Marnus van der Merwe – having been a revelation since signing – will join Munster next season.
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