Stretched Welsh clubs winless despite URC positives

Jac Morgan missed the 2026 Six Nations but Aaron Wainwright, Mason Grady and Joe Hawkins featured for Wales [Huw Evans Picture Agency and Rex Features] There was plenty of spirit from the four Welsh clubs but no wins in round 14 of the United Rugby Championship (URC). Cardiff, Ospreys and Dragons go into away ties in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup on the back of defeats by Sharks, Connacht and Lions in which they claimed consolation bonuses. Scarlets gave Leinster a bloody nose in Dublin but returned home with nothing to show for their efforts before a fortnight off because of their early European exit.

BBC Sport Wales looks back at a weekend that had big implications in the race for the URC play-offs. WRU chair Collier-Keywood to leave role Cardiff's injury fears at crunch time Cardiff missed out on the play-offs by a point in 2025 [Rex Features] When Corniel van Zyl set off on his return to South Africa it is unlikely the Cardiff coach envisaged playing for 64 minutes with blind-side flanker or number eight Alun Lawrence in the second row at Kings Park. The Blue and Blacks lost George Nott to injury in the first quarter of their loss to Bulls in Pretoria and then influential Josh McNally early on against Sharks in Durban.

Already without Teddy Williams, Ben Donnell and Tom Cottle, that led to last specialist lock standing Rory Thornton being joined by Lawrence. The dependable forward is having another fine season but has not started a game in the second row since Cardiff were down to the bare bones for Champions Cup matches with Toulouse and Harlequins in December 2022. Van Zyl – who also lost legendary Wales number eight Taulupe Faleta u and loose-head prop Corey Domachowski in Durban – was already looking for assistance at lock before the Sharks game and that hunt could intensify.

Cardiff travel to Benetton in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup on Saturday, 4 April (17:30 GMT) and there will be few tears shed if they exit with spirit to allow them to focus on their bid for the play-offs. The Blue and Blacks travel to Scarlets and host Ospreys in April fixtures that will go a long way towards deciding their top-eight fate. They are now sixth and just two points ahead of ninth-placed Connacht, who have a double-header in South Africa against Stormers and Lions after the break for Europe.