Where Welsh sides stand after late drama in URC

Dramatic conclusions and near misses were the underlying theme for the four Welsh sides in the last round of the United Rugby Championship (URC). Following the news that Cardiff, Scarlets, Dragons and Ospreys will still exist until at least the summer of 2028, the four sides returned to the pitch with mixed results. Just two days after it emerged Cardiff and Ospreys will not have the same owners, the two sides locked horns at the Arms Park in which the play-off chasing hosts held off a late fightback by the visitors.

Dragons warmed up for a European semi-final by defeating Zebre in Parma with a last-gasp try, but Scarlets were again on the wrong end of a late defeat at home, this time by Bulls. BBC Sport Wales looks at the talking points from round 16 of the URC. Cardiff takeover deal with Ospreys owners collapses Tierney outlines latest plan for Welsh rugby Cardiff move closer to play off dream Cardiff play their home games at the Arms Park [Huw Evans Agency] Cardiff have moved one step closer to finishing in the top eight and reaching the URC play-offs courtesy of the 24-21 win against Ospreys.

It was a 10th league victory in 16 games for the Blue and Blacks, who have enjoyed back-to-back derby successes against Scarlets and Ospreys. This is despite a notable injury list which includes Wales duo Josh Adams and James Botham, while Alex Mann was a late withdrawal on Friday. Head coach Corniel van Zyl insists his side still have plenty of work to do as they lie sixth going into the final two games of the season.

With only nine sides now able to qualify, Cardiff are six points clear of ninth-placed Connacht but have two difficult fixtures to come, at Glasgow and home against the Stormers. "Hopefully we will get a few players back now," said Van Zyl. "The next game is the most important.