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
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