Tag: rugby-union

• Scarlets Depth Ranking – URC 2024-2025

  WALES URC Squads Ranked 

  Scarlets

  After finishing 13th with a 5-13 record in 2024, it’s fair to say that the Scarlets were much more influential in the most recent season of the URC. With significant improvements from players such as Josh Macleod and Tom Rogers, to influential new signings like Henry Thomas and Blair Murray, the Scarlets were comfortably the strongest Welsh region in this competition last year, though the Ospreys still outperformed them in Europe.

  Then again, there are still areas of improvement for the region; they conceded 18 yellow cards – the 2nd most of any club in the league – and their away form was far from consistent, with their only wins coming against other Welsh regions and the Lions. But with the best overall-performing scrum in the league and a still-young squad, can the Scarlets build on their wins from last season and reach the playoffs a second time?

  Looshead Prop: Alec Hepburn, Kemsley Mathias, Sam O’Connor

  Not their deepest position, despite their scrum successes. Alec Hepburn’s 4 yellow cards don’t detract from his value around the field too much, as he usually tops the statistics for tackles made while making lots of touches and carries. Kemsley Mathias’ discipline isn’t much better, but he’s a well-rounded prop who adds a lot of impact off the bench. Sam O’Connor has some potential, but hasn’t had much opportunity, largely due to the other two’s consistency. Depth Rating: 7/10

  Hookers: Marnus Van der Merwe, Ryan Elias, Kirby Myhill, Harry Thomas

  With the very recent (as in, the day I’m writing this) signing of Kirby Myhill, the Scarlets now have three solid options in this position when Marnus returns from Springbok duty and Elias recovers from his injury. Thankfully, the former shouldn’t be gone for much longer, as he was instrumental to the side’s improvements at the setpiece. When Elias comes back, his hard carries should be great off the bench. Still, the early season may be a struggle, and the academy prospects will need to pull their weight. Depth Rating: 8.5/10

  Tighthead Prop: Henry Thomas, Harri O’Connor, Archer Holz

  Henry Thomas was another forward who was crucial to the improvements in the set piece, as he continued to lead the Scarlets’ success in this area, though his around-the-park stats aren’t at the same level as his front-row teammates. Still, his experience means he’ll start as many games as possible for the region. Sam Wainwright’s departure is unfortunate, but Harri O’Connor should take the bench spot having missed last season due to injury. Not exactly the largest front-row in the league, but they get the job done more often than not. Depth Rating: 7.5/10

  Locks: Jake Ball, Sam Lousi, Max Douglas, Jac Price

  The return of physical juggernaut Jake Ball should compensate for Alex Craig’s departure, as he should renew his lock partnership with the defensively reliable Sam Lousi. Otherwise, it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of star power here. Douglas will probably cover the bench more often than he plays 6, since the Scarlets have a bit more depth over there, but if he is put on the blindside the Scarlets feel wanting here.. Depth Rating: 7/10

  Back Row: Taine Plumtree, Josh Macleod, Jarrod Taylor, Tristan Davies, Dan Davis, Ben Williams

  Now we’re getting serious; the Scarlets’ backrow topped several charts last season, and they’ll be eager to build upon new combinations despite the experienced Vaea Fifita’s departure. Taine Plumtree is an incredibly versatile player; strong, fast, can cover the entire backrow, and threatening both at the breakdown and the lineout. As he stamps out the last of his discipline issues, his high ceiling should earn him some more Wales call ups this season. Captain Macleod is just as good, easily challenging the likes of Reffell for the second number 7 spot in the Wales team. Even if he doesn’t make it, his workrate and leadership is an enormous asset for the region. If only there was a similarly strong 3rd backrower; Jarrod Taylor is an adequate deputy and Dan Davis is solid in the breakdown, but not to the same extent. Depth Rating: 8.5/10

  Scrum-Half: Gareth Davies, Dane Blacker, Archie Hughes

  The returning signing of Dane Blacker is much appreciated, as Gareth Davies’ late-season injury cost them in playoffs. The experienced former international provided the side with an excellent kick-chase game out of the scrum, and his decision-making is crucial to a young set of backs. Blacker should plug in the gaps off the bench without having to pressure Archie Hughes too much, as the latter is a work in progress at this level.  Depth Rating: 8/10

  Fly-Half: Sam Costelow, Joe Hawkins, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones

  Very weird situation here, as with Ioan Lloyd going east, they only have one senior specialist fly-half in the form of Sam Costelow. Though a controversial player in international circles, he’s not bad when his pack is working well, which happens for the Scarlets more often than not. Some drop goals and line breaks should serve the region well outside of international windows. Hawkins seems to be converting to this position from centre, and looks good so far, but it’s a big ask. It’s possible that U18s star Carwyn Leggatt-Jones might need to be called upon for more than a few weeks. Depth Rating: 7.5/10

  Centres: Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts, Eddie James, Macs Page

  By far the best of the Welsh regions’ stocks here; they’re the only one with consistent 3-man depth, but would still be one of the best without it. The model is consistent, with hard carrying 12s in the form of the experienced Johnny Williams and the larger Eddie James, and fast moving 13s like the improving Joe Roberts and the X-factor flair of Macs Page. With Hawkins and Ioan Nicholas being able to cover as well, they’re under little threat provided players remain fit and Costelow is firing well. Williams is also one of the better defensive 12s, though defence is less of a virtue when it comes to the 13s. Depth Rating: 9.5/10

  Wings: Tom Rogers, Ellis Mee, Tomi Lewis

  Not as well-stocked as I thought they were, but to be fair, all of their fullbacks can play here too. Tom Rogers is in the upper echelon of current Welsh wingers with his strength and aerial ability being standout points, although he;s getting exposed more on defence. Ellis Mee may be young, but he was Nottingham’s best player before moving over and he only seems to be improving. Both are equally comfortable kicking as they are beating defenders, and together can threaten teams as dangerous as Leinster with the number of attacking opportunities they create. Tomi Lewis’ raw pace should help cover for players on Wales duty, and with Page being able to come in at 14, they shouldn’t fear the international window too much. Depth Rating: 9/10

  Fullbacks: Blair Murray, Ioan Nicholas, Ioan Jones

  When people are seriously considering you as a British and Irish Lions contender on your first international season in a Wales side with 0 wins, you know you’re a serious asset to club and country. Blair Murray doesn’t need to also be able to cover 10 and the wing, given that at fullback he’s exceeded the fans’ and his own expectations of how far he can go in Welsh rugby. And on top of that, both Rogers and Mee can cover the 15 jersey too if he’s absent. Ioan Nicholas is now one of the region’s most important backs in the absence of Ioan Lloyd, but being able to play 13, wing, and 15 is a valuable skillset. Ioan Jones seems to have been brought in on the expectation that Mee, Rogers, and Murray will probably be on Wales duty which is a smart move. Depth Rating: 9.5/10

  Overall Ranking: 82/100

  Predicted Finish: 9th

  Despite having slightly better quality of depth than the other regions, I think the Scarlets may fall just short of the playoffs. Their discipline has proved costly in several key games last season, and with how close the playoff race was, the more notable improvements and less considerable losses for the other fringe clubs like Ulster and Edinburgh might just turn fortunes away from the Scarlets. However, if their international-quality backline and solid scrum can earn them some key away fixtures, they can absolutely make it to the top 8 again.

  My Peak 23:

  Hepburn, Van der Merwe, Thomas, Ball, Lousi, Taylor, Macleod, Plumtree, G. Davies, Costelow, Mee, Williams, Roberts, Rogers, Murray

  Elias, Mathias, O’Connor, Douglas, Williams, T. Davies, Blacker, Hawkins, Page

  2025.09.24

• Ospreys Depth Ranking – URC 2025-2026

  WALES URC Squads Ranked 

  Ospreys

  Historically, the most successful of the Welsh regions in this competition, largely thanks to their excellent form during the early 2010s. That squad, with players like Alun Wyn Jones, Shane Williams, George North, Tommy Bowe, and Dan Biggar, would comfortably beat the Welsh regions of today, but the Ospreys have never backed down from the challenge Welsh teams face in recent URC seasons. Having made the playoffs in 2024 and recovering from a terrible start last season, the Ospreys have made fewer changes than the other regions, largely to replace long-time stalwarts like Adam Beard and Justin Tipuric, but can their current strength prevent them from being leapfrogged by the rest?

  Here’s my take on the depth of the squad heading into the 2025-26 URC season:

  Loosehead Prop: Gareth Thomas, Steffan Thomas, Garyn Phillips, Cameron Jones

  The departure of the technically excellent Nicky Smith didn’t hurt them as much as some might have expected; the Ospreys can threaten several strong teams at the scrum, but their looseheads tend to bring a lot of value elsewhere too. Gareth Thomas is renowned for his dangerous chop-tackling, and is easily the next best loosehead besides the aforementioned Smith in the Wales discussion. After that, his cousin Steffan hasn’t really nailed down the 17 jersey, but remains reliable on defence, while Garyn Phillips’ carrying makes him a scarier attacker; enough to earn a spot in camp last summer. Depth Rating: 8/10

  Hooker: Dewi Lake, Sam Parry, Lewis Lloyd, Efan Daniel

  Given the strength of the Ospreys; driving maul, it’s no surprise they’ve invested a lot into this position. As one of the Ospreys’ two megastars, Dewi Lake exemplifies the team’s playstyle better than anyone; raw physicality matched by an incredible passion to overwhelm even the toughest of opponents; assuming he hits his mark at the lineout. Parry is an effective, though ageing, deputy who can play similar tactics in his absence, and generally has more reliable fundamentals. Lewis Lloyd had some memorable moments last season, especially on defence, while the signing of Efan Daniel adds another youngster who could compete for a place off the bench. Depth Rating: 9/10

  Tighthead Prop: Tom Botha, Ben Warren, Rhys Henry, Kian Hire

  At 35, Botha still remains one of the Ospreys’ more important players for his technical scrummaging, but 16 penalties conceded last season is a concern and he doesn’t have the same impact around the park. Ben Warren does a lot more carrying work, even grabbing a try last season, and could be on Steve Tandy’s radar given his Six Nations call up and consistent form. In general, though, they lack a particularly strong scrummaging threat besides Botha and most of their tightheads are lighter than average, besides youngster Kian Hire. They’ll manage for now. Depth Rating: 7.5/10

  Lock: Rhys Davies, Ryan Smith, James Fender, Huw Owen-Sutton

  The loss of Adam Beard and Will Spencer will be felt here. Ryan Smith has brought his reliable form over from Queensland, and should help a lot with the lineout while competing with the larger James Fender for a starting spot. Rhys Davies might be the unluckiest lock in Welsh rugby given his injury struggles over the past year, but at his best he’s a breakdown and carrying demon who could push into the Wales squad, given how those skills are lacking in the international side. James Ratti has also been reliable in this position, though if injuries are forgiving they may not need him. Depth Rating: 8/10

  Back Row: Jac Morgan, Ross Moriarty, Morgan Morris, Morgan Morse, Harri Deaves, James Ratti, Will Griffiths

  As valuable as Justin Tipuric’s experience was to the Ospreys, they probably won’t miss it too much, especially with Moriarty bringing an extra physical threat in the 6 jersey, With Wales’ best player, it’s hard to really pick apart any issues here: Morgan can cover both flanks, and Deaves and Ratti make effective deputies with their high work rates and solid physicality. Their 8 stocks are just as good; Morgan Morris is arguably very unlucky not to have been given international honours during Faletau’s injury struggles, as his ball carrying essentially makes him Wainwright 2. Morgan Morse is just as dangerous, as the youngster only seems to improve between seasons and could be a more long-term option for Wales. Great for attack and defence, the Welsh region’s strongest area. Depth Rating: 9.5/10

  Scrum-Half: Reuben Morgan-Williams, Kieran Hardy, Luke Davies

  RMW’s consistent performances finally earned him a Wales cap in the summer, and we could easily see him in a red shirt in the future as a deputy to Tomos Williams. With Kieran Hardy’s experience, he provides brilliant offensive support and the difference is barely noticeable whichever one starts; a luxury few regions have. His cousin Luke Davies also looked decent in his 50 minutes in the ECC, but he has his work cut out for him to break into the 23; he has age on his side though. Depth Rating: 9/10

  Fly-Half: Dan Edwards, Owen Erasmus, Luke Scully

  If this was ranked by which Welsh region had the best player, the Ospreys would comfortably be the strongest, as Edwards has confidence and a level head of a much more experienced fly-half than he is. Though not the largest man, he makes up for his weaker physicality compared to players like Sam Costelow with sheer grit and measured gameplay. The issue for the Ospreys is everyone else; there isn’t much experience here following Owen Williams’ exit, and with Jack Walsh preferring the 15 jersey nowadays, someone will have to step up. Depth Rating: 6.5/10

  Centres Kieran Williams, Owen Watkin, Phil Cokanasiga, Evardi Boshoff.

  Not their deepest position, but Kieran Williams and Owen Watkin are good enough players to make up for it. The former is a ball-carrying, try-scoring menace who would be an international shoo-in with a few more cards in his hands, while the former has over 40 caps for a reason; his excellent defensive game and large size makes him one of the more well-rounded 13s in Wales. Evardi Boshoff was a more-than-adequate replacement for Watkin following his injury, and should get some chances to generate turnovers and make good meters in the international window. The depth falls off quite a bit after this, however; Cokanasiga hasn’t quite matched his brother’s impact for Bath. Depth Rating: 8/10

  Wings: Keelan Giles, Dan Kasende, Ryan Conbeer, Luke Morgan, Harri Houston

  Giles has finally emerged from the unluckiest Wales player in recent memory to finally getting his first cap in the win against Japan. And it’s clearly deserved; he’s by far the Ospreys’ best option here, able to create tries out of very little with his quick feet and consistent drive despite his small size. Kasende adds a bit more aerial control following his emergence last season, and creates a good combination on the other wing. Conbeer and Morgan are firmly B-tiers, while Harri Houston hasn’t had much opportunity to work off of his U20s form, so they aren’t at the level of the Scarlets and Cardiff in this area. Still, they can scare some of the strongest sides at their best. Depth Rating: 7.5/10

  Fullback: Jack Walsh, Iestyn Hopkins, Max Nagy

  Moving back from the 10 jersey, Walsh has elevated his game into one of the Ospreys’ best players. He fulfills all of the fundamentals of his role excellently, being just as threatening of a try scorer as Giles and Kasende while tearing defenses to shreds and making the clutch shots as required. His games against Connacht and Glasgow last season show his class, and if he becomes Welsh qualified on residency, he could seriously challenge Blair Murray. Hopkins isn’t at the same level, but he’s still young and has his mark in both Scarlets games. Nagy has fallen into 3rd place, but his past form could be brought out in the right game. Depth Rating: 8/10

  Overall Score: 81/100

  Predicted Finish: 8th

  It’s a really tough call between the Ospreys and the Scarlets for who is more likely to reach playoffs this season, but ultimately I think the Ospreys can do it again. Their more consistent pack combined with having fewer players in the international camp than their Llanelli rivals might just be enough to keep them ahead. With the smallest supporter base and infrastructure of the regions, the Ospreys may be desperate to secure another playoff spot to prove their value to the WRU, and I think that extra drive and their usually better away form will be enough to overcome some of the playoff-fringe sides and possibly take the Welsh shield.

  My Peak 23:

  Thomas, Lake, Botha, Davies, Smith, Moriarty, Morgan, Morris, Morgan-Williams, Edwards, Giles, Williams, Watkin, Kasende, Walsh

  Parry, Phillips, Warren, Fender, Morse, Hardy, Hopkins, Boshoff

  2025.09.24