When the United Rugby Championship returns next month, Welsh rugby supporters will approach the season with trepidation given the ongoing uncertainty off the field. Yet all four Welsh regions have still managed to recruit shrewdly this summer, despite operating on significantly smaller budgets than many of their URC rivals. Seven arrivals in particular stand out as reasons for optimism.
Ospreys add international pedigree
The Ospreys have recruited well, and the signing of Australian backrower Liam Wright is an intriguing one. Wright, a former Wallabies captain, was an outstanding performer for the Queensland Reds in Super Rugby for years. At 28, he has not played for more than a year after a relentless run of injuries, but if he rediscovers the form that propelled him into the Wallabies squad, the Ospreys will have secured genuine international quality. At his peak, Wright was an athletic backrower and an outstanding lineout forward.
What also makes the signing intriguing is that Wright could potentially represent Wales at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Wright's grandfather was born in Pembroke, and although he has been capped by Australia, World Rugby regulations would allow him to play for another country three years after his previous international appearance in July 2024.
The Ospreys have also made a statement signing in former Wallabies centre Lalakai Foketi. The 32-year-old arrives from Super Rugby Pacific finalists the Chiefs, having previously enjoyed spells at the Melbourne Rebels, Bayonne and the Waratahs. Foketi has plenty of X-factor and was outstanding in this season's Super Rugby Pacific, with his explosive ball carrying, footwork, pace and distribution skills. If he rediscovers his best form, the Ospreys will have pulled off one of the shrewdest recruitment moves of the summer.
Scarlets bring in Grace and Anscombe
There is plenty of doom and gloom in west Wales, but Scarlets fans have a reason to be excited in the shape of one-time capped former All Black Cullen Grace. The 26-year-old joins from the Crusaders and can play across the backrow as well as covering lock. Grace is a formidable presence at the breakdown, equally adept at winning turnovers and disrupting opposition ball. His defensive work-rate is immense, but his influence extends beyond the tackle count, with his handling and athleticism allowing him to make a significant impact in open play. Injuries have limited his chances, and if he stays fit the Scarlets have a serious player on their hands.
The Scarlets also confirmed last week the arrival of experienced former Wales outside-half Gareth Anscombe from Bayonne. Anscombe has had a raw deal with injuries in recent seasons but brings a wealth of experience to the backline. He will compete with Sam Costelow and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones for the number 10 shirt. While the Scarlets have long been a dangerous attacking side, Anscombe's game management and composure in the closing stages add another dimension, and his ability to steer a match from the bench during the final quarter could prove valuable. For 18-year-old playmaker Leggatt-Jones, the chance to work alongside Anscombe should provide an ideal environment for development.
Enari gives Dragons a livewire option
The Dragons made a very impressive piece of business by signing 28-year-old scrum-half Ere Enari. He arrives at Rodney Parade from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes, having also won five further titles during his time at the Crusaders. Enari is a livewire scrum-half whose running game makes him a constant threat around the fringes. Capable of producing moments of genuine inspiration, he has a knack for turning the course of a match with a decisive break or incisive play. The Samoa international brings much-needed experience to the Dragons side, competing with Wales international Rhodri Williams and top prospect Che Hope for the number nine jersey.
Cardiff re-sign Evans and add Sio
Cardiff have welcomed back 30-year-old outside-half Jarrod Evans from Harlequins. Evans was a fan favourite at the Arms Park before his move, and he will be keen to make a big statement as he fights for a place in Steve Tandy's squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. He will face stiff competition from Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd for the number 10 shirt, but he is a threat with ball in hand and capable of getting the best out of the Cardiff back division.
The Arms Park also sees the arrival of 34-year-old loosehead Scott Sio from Exeter Chiefs. Sio has won 74 caps for the Wallabies and now plays international rugby for Samoa. A solid scrummager with an impressive work rate in the loose, he offers far more than set-piece solidity. For young props Rhys Barratt and Danny Southworth, the opportunity to train alongside a player of his calibre should prove invaluable, with his experience and standards expected to accelerate their development.
