Welsh Regions Shine as Cardiff, Scarlets, and Ospreys Secure Victories in Thrilling URC Weekend
The latest round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) saw a landmark weekend for the Welsh regions, with Cardiff, Scarlets, and Ospreys all securing impressive victories.
Cardiff celebrated their 200th all-time league win, while Scarlets ended their long wait for an away triumph, and Ospreys kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a derby win over Dragons.
It was the first time this season that three Welsh regions had won on the same URC matchday, showcasing the growing strength of rugby union in the Principality.
“Ospreys’ slim play-off chances remain alive, but they must now secure a bonus-point victory over Cardiff on the final day to have any chance of a top-eight finish. Elsewhere, Munster, Bulls, Leinster, and Glasgow have all booked their place in the URC quarter-finals.”
In a weekend of individual milestones, Scarlets’ Gareth Davies reached 50 career league tries, while Ospreys captain Justin Tipuric made his 150th league appearance.
Cardiff’s Alun Lawrence, who was released by the club during the pandemic before being “handed a lifeline” to return, put in a barnstorming performance in their victory over Sharks in Durban.
Discipline issues continued to plague Dragons, who conceded 20 penalties in their defeat to Ospreys, with two players sin-binned. They remain rooted to the bottom of the table, just one point above Zebre.
The article also discusses the ongoing contract negotiations for Scarlets’ Johnny Williams, who has rediscovered his form after a difficult season, and the potential future of Cardiff’s Ben Thomas as a fly-half for the Wales national rugby union team.
🔗 Source
