Posted by It’s been a slightly back to front summer for Cardiff RFC when it comes to the annual merry-go-round of the semi-professional level recruitment window.
Usually the Rags squad experiences a level of tumultuousness as a number of the semi-pros move on to pastures new. With no long-term contracts in place, and a player’s availability and commitment level often dictated by non-rugby elements such as family or work, it’s common to see a fair few outgoings and incomings over an off-season.
And yet heading into the 2026/27 campaign there’s definitely an air of stability to Dan Fish’s squad. Only five players have left the semi-pro ranks over the summer, and of them only second row Ethan Phillips would have been classed as a regular starter last season, while five good quality players have been confirmed as arriving so far.
It leaves that spine of the squad looking in great shape ahead of Super Rygbi Cymru getting back underway this weekend, which will hopefully allow the Rags to enjoy a strong and consistent start to the new season which was somewhat lacking in 2025/26.
On that occasion the Blue and Blacks lost five of their opening nine games up to the beginning of December, and it was only thanks to a remarkable second half of the year made up of nine straight league wins that Craig Hudd was able to hoist the world’s cheapest pennant in the air to celebrate topping the regular season table.
But with Hudd, along with brother Nathan, Alun Rees, Tom Harper, Sean Moore, Aled Ward, Ben Fry, Ethan Lloyd, Tom Williams, Joe Goodchild and Dewi Cross still in place, as well as Jason Harries now in a player/coach role, there is an obvious continuity at the Arms Park.
Perhaps the slight unknown though comes in the form of the Academy players that will supplement the Rags squad.
Over the past two seasons this is where the squad consistency has been found but going into 26/27 the hope, and in some cases the expectation, is that players will be moving on to first team action and a new wave of first or second year senior Academy members will be taking their place getting exposure in the SRC.
If Joe Cowell, Lucas De La Rua, Steff Emanuel, Elijah Evans, Tom Bowen and Matty Young are going to appear more at the professional level, alongside Harri Wilde on loan at Ospreys, then Vinnay Cleak, Tom Howe, Sonny McCabe, Ben Coomer and Rhys Cummings will become key men for the Rags, as well as Tom Cottle and Sion Davies who missed chunks of last season through injury.
It’s a great environment for them to step into with that settled semi-pro squad chocked full of great role models, mentors and leaders. Should they settle in quickly then they will be able to individually develop while helping the team win from the off.
Another exciting season awaits for Cardiff RFC as they travel to Carmarthen to kick it off on Saturday, with the next generation of Academy talent primed to push on and the semi-pro spine of the squad keen to finally get their hands on some actual silverware.
Cardiff Rugby Life 