**Welsh Rugby Round-Up: Triumphs for Scarlets and Rising Stars, Woes Continue for Dragons**
A dramatic weekend of rugby has delivered decisive moments in the Welsh game, signalling both hope and hardship for the nation’s top sides as the race for United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off spots intensifies. While South Africa provided the backdrop for both triumph and defeat, enthralling domestic encounters were also a highlight, reshaping the narrative for several historic clubs.
The standout story belongs to the Scarlets, who traveled to Johannesburg and emerged victorious against the Lions in an eye-catching 32-19 win. This result places the West Walians within sight of a URC play-off place, a remarkable turnaround given their fluctuating fortunes through the season.
Central to Scarlets’ success was 24-year-old Sam Costelow. Making just his second appearance since returning from a broken collarbone, Costelow delivered a performance brimming with composure and creativity. Not only did he contribute 12 points through precise kicking—including a long-range drop goal and a challenging penalty from 45 metres—but he also orchestrated Scarlets’ attack with smart passing and vision. His defensive effort was equally impressive, amassing nine tackles and leading from the front. Observers now expect Costelow to be in the mix for Wales’ summer tour of Japan, setting up an intriguing selection battle alongside the Ospreys’ Dan Edwards.
Scarlets head coach Dwayne Peel also has reason to reflect with satisfaction. Under fire last season during a difficult campaign, Peel has witnessed a transformation in his side’s fortunes following targeted recruitment and an improved forward pack. Recent results, including victories against Leinster and the Lions, suggest the team is discovering its identity at a crucial juncture. Should they secure a URC play-off berth and a return to Champions Cup rugby, it would mark clear progress for Peel and his charges.
Closer to home, the Super Rygbi Cymru semi-finals produced gripping rugby theatre. Ebbw Vale achieved a sensational comeback, overturning a 21-5 half-time deficit to defeat Llandovery 29-28, thus booking their spot in the competition’s inaugural final. Awaiting them are Newport RFC, who earned an emphatic 35-20 away win over Cardiff. Their head-to-head at Eugene Cross Park promises to be a historic encounter for both clubs and fans alike.
On an individual level, two Scarlets forwards are drawing praise for their contributions. Taine Plumtree, initially left out of the Wales squad amid concerns over discipline, responded with a powerful performance in Johannesburg—topping the tackle count with 17 and crossing for a key try. His teammate Vaea Fifita, a former All Black, also excelled, setting up Johnny Williams’ decisive score with an incisive break and offload. Such displays highlight the value that astute overseas signings can bring to Welsh regional rugby.
Elsewhere, Wales captain Jac Morgan capped a strong campaign by being selected for the upcoming British & Irish Lions tour of Australia. Despite Ospreys’ defeat to the Sharks in Durban, Morgan’s work at the breakdown and defensive intensity stood out, even as his club saw their play-off hopes extinguished.
However, the weekend was not without its hardships for Welsh clubs. The Dragons slumped to their worst season since the team’s inception in 2003, suffering a 48-12 loss to the Stormers—their 16th consecutive defeat. Changes are expected at the region, both in playing squad and coaching staff, as new head coach Filo Tiatia seeks to halt the decline.
The Ospreys, too, experienced disappointment as their campaign lost momentum following a Challenge Cup exit. Their loss to the Sharks ensured they would not make the URC play-offs, ending a season that began with promise on a sour note. Next season, however, could yield more, with key signings such as Ryan Smith and Ross Moriarty already secured.
Meanwhile, Cardiff’s play-off ambitions now hang by a thread after falling 45-21 to the Bulls in Pretoria. A defeat compounded not just by the scoreline, but by missed opportunities to clinch a crucial bonus point. The task ahead, beating the Stormers in Cape Town, looks imposing, leaving Cardiff on the brink of missing out on a top-eight finish.
As the season heads towards its climax, Welsh rugby finds itself in a state of flux—celebrating the rise of new stars and impressive team comebacks, while grappling with the painful lessons of defeat. The coming weeks promise more stories of resilience, revival, and the ever-present drama that defines rugby in Wales.