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There are a number of eye-catching new signings
Many Welsh rugby supporters will greet the return of the United Rugby Championship next month with a degree of trepidation, given the uncertainty that continues to surround the game off the field.
Despite operating on significantly smaller budgets than many of their United Rugby Championship rivals, all four Welsh regions have recruited shrewdly this summer, all things considered.
Here are seven new signings who could give Welsh rugby supporters genuine cause for optimism ahead of the new season.
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Liam Wright (Ospreys)
The Ospreys have recruited well this summer, all things considered, and the signing of Australian backrower Liam Wright is an intriguing one.
Wright is a former captain of the Wallabies and was an outstanding performer for 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 should he rediscover the form that propelled him into the Wallabies squad, Ospreys will have secured a player of genuine international quality.
At his peak Wright was an athletic backrower and an outstanding lineout forward.
What is also intriguing is the fact he could potentially represent Wales and the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Wright’s grandfather was born in Pembroke and even thought he has been capped by Australia World Rugby regulations would allow Wright to play for another country three years after his previous international appearance in July 2024.
Lalakai Foketi (Ospreys)
This is a statement signing.
The former Wallabies centre brings proven international pedigree and is precisely the calibre of player Wales’ four professional sides should be targeting.
If he rediscovers his best form, Ospreys will have pulled off one of the shrewdest pieces of recruitment of the summer.
The 32-year-old joins 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.
He is an explosive ball carrier with nice footwork and pace, while his distribution skills are also very good.
Foketi is certainly a player to watch this upcoming season.
Cullen Grace (Scarlets)
There is a lot of doom and gloom in west Wales at the moment but this signing is certainly one Scarlets fans should get excited about.
The one-time capped former All Black joins the Scarlets from the Crusaders and is a high-quality player.
Grace can play across the backrow, while he can also cover lock.
The 26-year-old is a formidable presence at the breakdown, equally adept at winning turnovers and disrupting opposition ball.
He has built a reputation for an immense defensive work-rate, but his influence extends well beyond the tackle count.
Comfortable operating in the wider channels, his handling and athleticism allow him to make a significant impact in open play, where his all-round skill set comes to the fore.
If it wasn’t for a series of injuries Grace would have almost certainly won far more caps for the All Blacks and if he can stay fit the Scarlets have a serious player on their hands.
Ere Enari (Dragons)
This was a very impressive piece of business by the Dragons.
The 28-year-old will arrive at Rodney Parade from Super Rugby Pacific champions the Hurricanes, while he has also won a further five 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 piece of play.
The Samoa international brings some much needed experience to this Dragons side and he will compete with the likes of Wales international Rhodri Williams and top prospect Che Hope for the number nine jersey at Rodney Parade.
Jarrod Evans (Cardiff)
The 30-year-old returns to Cardiff from Harlequins 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.
Evans was a fan favourite at the Arms Park before moving to Harlequins so Cardiff fans will know what to expect from the talented outside-half.
But Evans will face stiff competition from Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd for the number 10 shirt.
Evans is a threat with ball in hand and is capable of getting the best out of the Cardiff back division.
Scott Sio (Cardiff)
The 34-year-old loosehead will bring a wealth of experience to the Arms Park after joining 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 the likes of 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 within the Cardiff ranks.
Gareth Anscombe (Scarlets)
The experienced former Wales outside-half has had a raw deal with injuries over the past few seasons but he will bring a wealth of experience to the Scarlets’ backline.
Anscombe’s move to the Scarlets from Bayonne was officially announced last week and he will compete with Sam Costelow and Carwyn Leggatt-Jones for the number 10 shirt.
The Scarlets have long been a dangerous attacking side, but Anscombe’s game management and composure in the closing stages add another dimension.
His ability to steer a match from the bench during the final quarter could prove a valuable asset over the course of the season.
For talented 18-year-old playmaker Leggatt-Jones, the chance to work alongside a player of Anscombe’s experience and rugby intelligence should provide an ideal environment in which to accelerate his development.
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