**Welsh Rugby Sees Emotional Farewells and a Glimpse of the Future**
Wales’ rugby scene is undergoing significant change as several high-profile players prepare to say goodbye to their clubs, bringing both poignant moments and optimism for the sport’s future in the country. On Saturday, 31 May, a series of announcements and matches have shone a spotlight on legendary careers coming to an end, emotional farewells, and the promise of emerging talent.
Perhaps the most heart-wrenching of these developments is the departure of Ross Moriarty from French side Brive. In a match that marked the end of his tenure, Moriarty and his teammates faced a crushing 13-29 defeat against Montauban in the Rugby Pro D2 semi-final play-off. This result eliminated Brive from contention and dashed hopes of a final showdown with Grenoble, led by Sam Davies, for promotion to the Top 14 next season.
Moriarty, who has been capped 54 times for Wales, will return to Welsh rugby, having already agreed to join Ospreys for the 2025/26 campaign. The move back to home turf could prove pivotal for the national side, particularly as Wales looks to strengthen its forward pack. There is widespread anticipation that Moriarty’s robust playing style will contribute significantly to the Ospreys and potentially rekindle his international prospects.
It is not just Moriarty who is bidding a fond farewell this weekend. Today marks fly-half Gareth Anscombe’s last appearance for Gloucester as they face Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership’s concluding regular season fixture. Anscombe joined Gloucester from Japan last summer and made an immediate impact with his skill and composure at Kingsholm. However, the club disclosed earlier this year that Leinster’s Ross Byrne would join the squad next season, casting uncertainty on Anscombe’s future in the Cherry & White jersey.
In a move that quickly settled the speculation, French Top 14 side Bayonne announced they had secured Anscombe’s services for the 2025/26 campaign. The club expressed their excitement, pointing to his vast international experience, including participating in two Rugby World Cups for Wales. The fly-half is set to play his last game in front of Gloucester’s home fans, taking the field alongside fellow Wales international Tomos Williams, as head coach George Skivington makes only minor squad adjustments for this key fixture. Santi Carreras, Christian Wade, and Chris Harris are also amongst those playing their final games for Gloucester, bidding adieu to supporters in what promises to be an emotional afternoon.
Meanwhile, across the English Premiership, Welsh full-back legend Leigh Halfpenny is also closing a chapter as he prepares for his final outing with Harlequins. Included among the replacements, Halfpenny shared his anticipation for one last match with his current teammates as they prepare to face Bristol Bears. The 35-year-old is widely reported to be on the verge of joining French outfit Beziers, underlining the continued appeal of Welsh talent across European rugby.
In contrast to these departures, Welsh regional sides are also working hard to retain pivotal talent. Scarlets have secured the future of Johnny Williams with a new contract. Since joining from Newcastle Falcons in 2020, Williams has become a regular presence in Dwayne Peel’s side and, with seven Welsh caps to his name, is seen as an experienced hand among a youthful squad. Williams, fresh from a recall to the national set-up ahead of the Japan summer tour, expressed enthusiasm for the team’s development and his upcoming role in guiding younger players.
Scarlets’ head coach, Dwayne Peel, welcomed Williams’ renewed commitment, citing the importance of his leadership as the side continues to nurture emerging stars. Williams joins an impressive list of talented players—Macs Page, Tomi Lewis, Eddie James, Joe Roberts, Sam Costelow, Taine Plumtree, and Kemsley Mathias—who have all opted to stay and contribute to the evolution of the west Wales region.
The Dragons have also moved to secure their future, announcing that promising hooker Sam Scarfe, 21, has signed a senior contract to remain at Rodney Parade. Scarfe has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Pontypool in Super Rygbi Cymru and made a Challenge Cup appearance off the bench. He credits senior teammates and coaches for aiding his development and is determined to establish himself with the Dragons going forward.
Dragons’ head coach Filo Tiatia and forwards coach Sam Hobbs have both praised Scarfe’s work ethic and physicality. Converted from flanker several years ago, Scarfe’s progress as a modern hooker has not gone unnoticed. The club expects the coming season to be a major one for him, as he continues to refine his set-piece skills and ball-carrying prowess.
As established stars say their goodbyes and new contracts are signed, this transitional phase in Welsh rugby offers mixed emotions—nostalgia for the achievements of the outgoing legends, and hope for the next generation primed to take centre stage.