**Welsh Rugby Clubs Announce Key Signings As 2025/26 Preparations Gather Pace**
With the current rugby season not quite concluded – notably, the Scarlets are set to face Leinster in the United Rugby Championship (URC) quarter-finals this weekend – Welsh rugby clubs are already looking ahead, putting significant recruitment plans into place for the 2025/26 campaign. Deals have been confirmed across all four regions, as clubs race to strengthen squads and find the right personnel for a new era in professional rugby.
At Cardiff Rugby, a fresh chapter is already unfolding, being under the new stewardship of the Welsh Rugby Union. Head coach Matt Sherratt has overseen a series of eye-catching additions, with Wales international Ioan Lloyd switching from Scarlets, expected to vie for the starting fly-half role alongside Callum Sheedy and rising star Harri Wilde. Lloyd’s versatility across the backline and skill as a goal kicker will offer Cardiff a valuable edge.
Another promising acquisition for Cardiff comes in the form of Taine Basham, a dynamic backrow player who was once rated among the UK’s brightest young prospects. Basham will be keen to reignite his career following a slight dip in form, hoping that the change of scenery brings a return to his best. Also joining the squad are young second-row Tom Cottle from RGC and George Nott from the Dragons, reflecting a blend of experience and youth.
Departures from Cardiff include forwards such as Rhys Litterick and Seb Davies, while familiar names like Tinus de Beer and Regan Grace are also moving on. The changes signal a strategy of targeted renewal at the Welsh capital’s club, with further signings anticipated in the centre and lock positions.
The Dragons have emerged as the most active club in the transfer market, responding to a challenging season that saw just one victory in the URC. Under new head coach Filo Tiatia, the Gwent region have welcomed no fewer than 11 new faces, hoping this overhaul can lay the foundations for future progress. Notable recruits include Wales internationals Wyn Jones and Dillon Lewis, both props who will bolster the Dragons’ pack, while South African Robert Hunt arrives to add further depth at the coalface.
Levi Douglas, a massive lock with Welsh connections, joins from Biarritz, accompanied by Seb Davies and experienced campaigner Thomas Young. In the backline, South African fly-half Tinus de Beer and Moana Pasifika centre Fine Inisi are set to provide fresh options. The Dragons are also investing in youth, with Wales U20s captain Harry Beddall and promising prop James Talamai coming on board, reflecting a dual focus on strengthening the first XV and building for the long-term.
The Ospreys’ approach has been more measured but no less significant, as new head coach Mark Jones looks to address key departures. Australian international Ryan Smith, a second-row who has led the Queensland Reds and featured in recent Wallabies squads, is seen as a marquee signing. Smith’s leadership and athleticism promise to help fill the void left by Adam Beard, who is moving to French outfit Montpellier.
Joining Smith is the hard-hitting backrower Ross Moriarty, returning from France after a stint with Brive. Known for his physicality and uncompromising style, Moriarty’s homecoming is welcomed by supporters. The Ospreys are also reportedly close to adding young hooker Efan Daniel, helping to maintain squad depth as Justin Tipuric transitions from playing to coaching duties.
Meanwhile, the Scarlets have already begun reshaping their squad for next term, mindful of the need to balance experience with fresh impetus. Scrum-half Dane Blacker re-signs from the Dragons, hoping to rekindle the form that previously earned him Wales recognition. Former Scarlets favourite Jake Ball returns from Japan – a notable boost, given his track record during a distinguished first spell in Llanelli.
Joe Hawkins, another Wales international, is set to bolster the Scarlets’ midfield options following a stint at Exeter Chiefs. These arrivals aim to offset significant losses, including the departure of Ioan Lloyd to Cardiff and stalwart Alex Craig to Glasgow Warriors. Behind the scenes, coaching staff are also being augmented, with Bradley Davies joining the setup from Bridgend.
What’s particularly notable from this transfer season is the balance of recruitment: clubs are not just bringing in established names, but are also making concerted efforts to identify and nurture young, home-grown talent. The competitive nature of the URC, combined with evolving dynamics in Welsh rugby governance, means there is a premium placed on thoughtful long-term planning.
Looking ahead, more signings are anticipated throughout the summer, and further departures are likely. The transition period signals a renewed focus among Welsh clubs to remain competitive both domestically and in European competitions. Supporters will be eagerly watching how their sides take shape, optimistic that this new generation of faces can help restore Welsh rugby’s fortunes on the big stage.