The URC returns on Friday with Leinster defending back-to-back titles, but the competition’s most important storyline is unfolding in Wales with WRU plans to reduce the country’s four professional regions to three from 2028-29.
Under the proposed structure, Cardiff would represent the capital, Dragons the east and the Scarlets and Ospreys would compete for one west Wales licence.
The licensing process is due to begin in December, meaning every result this season will be viewed through that unforgiving wider lens.
The WRU has promised that it wants “Welsh talent to be at the heart of the system” but keeping that talent at home is now the challenge with a growing number of high-profile internationals moving overseas as the Wales eligibility requirements are relaxed.
Strongest position
Cardiff start from the strongest position.
They finished sixth last season to reach the play-offs, before losing 44-21 to the Stormers in Cape Town.
Matt Sherratt moved on to coach Wales in September last year but Corniel van Zyl thrived in stepping up as head coach.
The squad has gained experience through Australia prop Scott Sio and former Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans, while wing Tom Bowen, the reigning URC Next-Gen Player of the Season, gives them a cutting edge.
Earlier this week, centre Steffan Emmanuel, above, was crowned young player of the year at the Welsh Rugby Union Writers’ Awards.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season with the Blue & Blacks, making six appearances and has been a key figure for Wales Under-20s, earning 23 caps and captaining the side in their eighth-place finish in the Junior World Championship.
He’ll be one to watch this term.
New man: Jarrod Evans has joined Cardiff
Champions: Leinster with the trophy last season
PICTURES: Getty Images
Honoured
“It wasn’t expected at all,” Emmanuel said. “It was a bit of a secret and I thought I was just going to a dinner.
“I felt a bit bad before because I was speaking to people, saying, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing here to be honest with all these big faces. I don’t know why I’m here.’
“And then 20 minutes later, I’m up there!
“I’m very lucky to receive it and honoured. It’s a big one.
“I’ve just got to get the ball rolling with Cardiff and kick on a bit this year, hopefully getting a few more games under my belt.
“But you just don’t know how it’ll pan out, that’s the nature of rugby.
“The only thing I can do is keep my head down, work hard and see what happens.”
Signs of progress
The Dragons finished 15th, yet their campaign showed signs of progress.
They defended better, with lock Ben Carter, above, finishing with the highest tackle accuracy in the competition with 97.6 per cent.
But the Newport outfit could not turn competitive performances into enough wins.
The departure of Aaron Wainwright to Leicester removes a major source of carrying and breakdown work.
Ereatara Enari and Terrell Peita offer fresh energy from the Southern Hemisphere.
Their opener at Benetton is a useful early measure.
Scarlets have to improve quickly after slipping to 14th last season and managing just one away victory.
Gareth Anscombe is the headline arrival, bringing game management and goal-kicking, while Corey Domachowski returns from Cardiff, Cullen Grace arrives from the Crusaders and John McKee strengthens the hooker department.
The losses are substantial: Marnus van der Merwe has joined Munster, Tom Rogers has crossed to the Ospreys, Alec Hepburn has gone to Edinburgh and Jake Ball has retired.
Dwayne Peel’s group must rediscover control and defensive edge, beginning with a huge home derby against Cardiff.
Pressure
The Ospreys face the heaviest political as well as sporting pressure.
Wales stars Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have left for Gloucester, Phil Cokanasiga has also departed and the club are moving their home games to St Helen’s in Swansea.
Tom Rogers is a significant direct replacement on the wing, while Wallaby Marika Koroibete, above, and Chiefs centre Lalakai Foketi add experience.
The problem is whether those additions can compensate for the loss of two leaders who set the regional identity.
Ospreys open at the Sharks, one of the league’s most uncomfortable away trips in South Africa.
At the top, Leinster remain the obvious benchmark.
They beat the Bulls 36-7 in last season’s final and have the depth to chase a third title in a row, although this is Leo Cullen’s final season before he steps down.
Joey Carbery returns from Bordeaux, but the champions ave lost James Lowe, Rie-ko Ioane, Luke McGrath, Ciarán Frawley and Will Connors.
All Irish eyes will be on Sam Prendergast’s development in the 10 jersey and their opening trip to the Lions is a serious first examination.
Champions: Leinster with the trophy last season
PICTURES: Getty Images
Gap to close
The Bulls, backed by URC player of the season Embrose Papier, have reached four of the last five finals, but another defeat by Leinster exposed the gap they still have to close.
Ruan Nortjé, Wilco Louw and Kurt-Lee Arendse are major departures, with Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch and Hanro Liebenberg among the arrivals.
The Stormers finished third last season and reached the semi-finals thanks largeley to top try scorer Evan Roos (12) and players’ player of the season Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Siya Kolisi is back from the Sharks, Cheslin Kolbe, below, returns from Japan and tight-head Wilco Louw adds force up front.
They have lost Salmaan Moerat, Ruben van Heerden and Dan du Plessis, but look better equipped to win the tight games that decide the top four.
They begin at Connacht, a testing opening for a side with title expectations.
Excellent addition
Glasgow topped the regular-season table with 65 points before losing a one-point semi-final to the Bulls.
Jamie Ritchie is an excellent addition to a pack that has lost Adam Hastings, Huw Jones and Jack Dempsey, while Bayley Kuenzle offers versatility.
Franco Smith’s side remain genuine contenders, but their first match at Munster will test how quickly the new balance settles.
The Sharks were 10th last year, yet improved markedly after JP Pietersen took over.
Their home record was strong, unlike their away form.
Thomas du Toit, Ivan van Zyl, Stephan Lewies and Gianni Lombard give them ballast, but Kolisi has gone to the Stormers and Grant Williams to Japan.
Hosting the Ospreys offers an immediate chance to get off to a statement start.
The Lions made the play-offs for the first time, finishing seventh, with Chris Smith picking up the league’s golden boot and Ivan van Rooyen crowned coach of the season, but Leinster then dismantled them 59-10.
Boan Venter, Hyron Andrews, Boeta Chamberlain and Dan Kasende strengthen the squad, although Gianni Lombard and Darrien
Landsberg have moved to the Sharks. Their Ellis Park energy is real but replicating that form on the form is the challenge.
Key signings: From top to bottom; Gareth Anscombe, Joey Carbery, Thomas du Toit and Jamie Ritchie
Challenge
Connacht also return to the Champions Cup after finishing eighth.
Stuart Lancaster now has Ciarán Frawley, Will Connors and François van Wyk, while Jack Carty has retired.
Sean Jansen called them capable of being “a top-four side”; the challenge is improving a record still too dependent on home form.
The Stormers’ visit to Galway will show whether Connacht have moved beyond being merely difficult to beat.
Munster begin without Jack Crowley, whose return from a lower limb injury is not expected until later in the year.
Marnus van der Merwe, Jack Aungier and Will Harrison are among the arrivals, while Jean Kleyn has left for Gloucester and Thaakir Abrahams for the Bulls.
They need clarity at fly-half and a sharper attacking identity under Clayton McMillan.
Glasgow at Thomond Park is a demanding start.
Return
Ulster have recruited lock Eli Snyman, scrum-half Matthew Devine, Ben Donnell and fly-half Jamie Benson as Richie Murphy continues his rebuild.
Edinburgh, meanwhile, have brought in Riley Higgins, Alec Hepburn and James Grayson but lost Ben Healy and Hamish Watson.
Their meeting in Belfast is an early contest between sides who need consistency.
Benetton have appointed former Wales and Scarlets coach Wayne Pivac after finishing 13th and failing to win away last season.
Tommaso Menoncello has gone to Toulouse, Thomas Gallo to Lyon and Eli Snyman to Ulster, so Louis Werchon and Josh Flook arrive with a sizeable job to do.
Zebre finished bottom with only two wins, but Tommaso Allan’s return from Perpignan gives them a senior organiser.
They start at home to the Bulls.
Teams
Benetton
Forwards: Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro, Giosue Zilocchi, Simone Ferrari, Tiziano Pasquali, Ivan Nemer, Mirco Spagnolo, Destiny Aminu, Gonzalo Hughes, Matias Medrano, Marco Manfredi, Richie Asiata, Siua Maile, Bautista Bernasconi, Tomas Montilla, Nicholas Gasperini, Federico Ruzza, Riccardo Favretto, Scott Scrafton, Niccolo Cannone, Jadin Kingi, Mattia Midena, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Sebastian Negri, Michele Lamaro, Manuel Zuliani, Alessandro Izekor, Giulio Marini, John Bryant, Nelson Casartelli, Lorenzo Cannone, So’otala Fa’aso’o
Backs: Andy Uren, Alessandro Garbisi, Louis Werchon, Cristiano Tizzano, Jacob Umaga, Nicolas Roger Farias, Tomas Albornoz, Leonardo Marin, Giuliano Avaca, Jean Smith, Filippo Drago, Josh Flook, Federico Zanandrea, Tomas Medina, Paolo Odogwu, Ignacio Mendy, Louis Lynagh, Onisi Ratave, Matt Gallagher, Rhyno Smith, Francois Carlo May
Bulls
Forwards: Francois Klopper, Gerhard Steenekamp, Mornay Smith, Sti Sithole, Khutha Mchunu, Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Etienne Janeke, Juann Else, Ruan Swart, JD Erasmus, Akker van der Merwe, Johann Grobbelaar, Ruan Vermaak, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Sintu Manjezi, Cobus Wiese, Reinhardt Ludwig, JF van Heerden, Jaco Grobbelaar, JJ Theron, Marco van Staden, Jeandre Rudolph, Jannes Kirsten, Mpilo Gumede, Nama Xaba, Nizaam Carr, Marcell Coetzee, Cameron Hanekom, Hanro Liebenberg, Elrigh Louw
Backs: Paul de Wet, Embrose Papier, Zak Burger, Keagan Johannes, Handre Pollard, Kade Wolhuter, Harold Vorster, Stedman Gans, Chris Smit, Jan Serfontein, Stravino Jacobs, Phillip-Albert van Niekerk, Sergeal Petersen, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, Katlego Letebele, Cheswill Jooste, Thaakir Abrahams, Dylan Maart, Willie le Roux, Devon Williams, Henry Immelman, Luan Giliomee, Curwin Bosch
Cardiff
Forwards: Sam Wainwright, Keiron Assiratti, Danny Southworth, Javan Sebastian, Joe Cowell, Rhys Barratt, Ioan Emanuel, Evan Rees, Cameron Tyler-Grocott, Scott Sio, Liam Belcher, Dafydd Hughes, Evan Lloyd, Max Pearce, Rory Thornton, George Nott, Josh McNally, Teddy Williams, Tom Cottle, Dan Thomas, Alun Lawrence, Taine Bash-am, James Botham, Alex Mann, Lucas de la Rua, Semisi Paea, Taulupe Faletau
Backs: Aled Davies, Ellis Bevan, Johan Mulder, Ieuan Davies, Ioan Lloyd, Callum Sheedy, Harri Wilde, Jarrod Evans, Mason Grady, Harri Millard, Cornel Smit, Rory Jennings, Ben Thomas, Steff Emanuel, Elijah Evans, Osian Darwin-Lewis, Le Roux Malan, Theo Cabango, Josh Adams, Iwan Stephens, Tom Bowen, Jacob Beetham, Cam Winnett, Matty Young
Connacht
Forwards: Finlay Bealham, Jordan Duggan, Denis Buckley, Sam Illo, Temi Lasisi, Fiachna Barrett, Billy Bohan, Francois van Wyk, Jerry Cahir, Dylan Tierney-Martin, Dave Heffernan, Eoin de Buitlear, Mikey Yarr, Matthew Victory, Niall Murray, David O’Connor, Josh Murphy, Oisin Dowling, Darragh Murray, Sean O’Brien, Cian Prendergast, Paul Boyle, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Oisin McCormack, Sean Jansen, Max Flynn, Bobby Power, David Walsh, Will Connors
Backs: Caolin Blade, Colm Reilly, Ben Murphy, Matthew Devine, Albert Lindner, Josh Ioane, Harry West, Sean Naughton, Ciaran Frawley, Cathal Forde, Bundee Aki, Byron Ralston, David Hawkshaw, Hugh Gavin, John Devine, Finn Treacy, Sean Walsh, Chay Mullins, Mack Hansen, Sam Gilbert, Daniel Ryan, Shane Jennings, Shayne Bolton
Dragons
Forwards: Rodrigo Martinez, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Dillon Lewis, Luke Yendle, Christian Coleman, Rob Hunt, Cebo Dlamini, Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Jordan Morris, Owain James, Elliot Dee, Brodie Coghlan, James Benjamin, George Roberts, Oli Burrows, Wills Austin, Sam Scarfe, Shane Lewis-Hughes, Ben Carter, Seb Davies, Levi Douglas, Matthew Screech, Barny Langton-Cryer, Nick Thomas, Harrison Keddie, Thomas Young, Solomone Funaki, Ryan Woodman, Harry Beddall, Terrell Peita, Evan Minto
Backs: Rhodri Williams, Morgan Lloyd, Che Hope, Niall Armstrong, Ere Enari, Jac Lloyd, Tinus de Beer, Harri Ford, Aneurin Owen, Fetuli Paea, Fine Inisi, Joe Westwood, Harri Ackerman, Dai Richards, Rio Dyer, Jared Rosser, Harry Rees-Weldon, Huw Anderson, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Cai Evans, Angus O’Brien
Edinburgh
Forwards: Paul Hill, D’arcy Rae, James Whitcombe, Pierre Schoeman, Rhys Litterick, Mikey Jones, Jamie Stewart, Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, Alec Hepburn, Ewan Ashman, Dylan Richardson, Paddy Harrison, Harri Morris, Jerry Blyth-Lafferty, Glen Young, Grant Gilchrist, Marshall Sykes, Callum Hunter-Hill, Rob Carmichael, Euan McVie, Luke Crosbie, Tom Dodd, Connor Boyle, Magnus Bradbury, Ben Muncaster, Hamish Watson, Liam McConnell, Tom Currie, Freddy Douglas
Glasgow Warriors
Forwards: Patrick Schickerling, Sam Talakai, Murphy Walker, Rory Sutherland, Fin Richardson, Zander Fagerson, Jamie Bhatti, Nathan McBeth, Grant Stewart, Angus Fraser, Gregor Hiddleston, Tavi Tuipulotu, Seb Stephen, Alex Craig, Scott Cummings, Max Williamson, Alex Samuel, Olujare Oguntibeju, Ryan Burke, Dylan Cockburn, Ally Miller, Macenzzie Duncan, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Gregor Brown, Euan Ferrie, Jamie Ritchie, Ruwald van der Merwe
Backs: Jamie Dobie, George Horne, Ben Afshar, Jack Oliver, Callum Reidy, Duncan Weir, Dan Lancaster, Charlie Savala, Matt Urwin, Sione Tuipulotu, Stafford McDowall, Duncan Munn, Kerr Johnston, Kerr Yule, Johnny Ventisei, Kyle Steyn, Ollie Smith, Kyle Rowe, Fergus Watson, Cameron van Wyk, Josh McKay
Leinster
Forwards: Tadhg Furlong, Andrew Porter, Ed Byrne, Rabah Slimani, Thomas Clarkson, Jack Boyle, Paddy McCarthy, Alex Usanov, Andrew Sparrow, Alex Mullan, Niall Smyth, Peter Dooley, John McKee, Ronan Kelleher, Bobby Sheehan, Dan Sheehan, Gus McCarthy, Stephen Smyth, Lee Fitzpatrick, Ryan Baird, RG Snyman, Alex Soroka, James Ryan, Joe McCarthy, Conor O’Tighearnaigh, Alan Spicer, Billy Corrigan, Mahon Ronan, Scott Penny, Josh van der Flier, James Culhane, Liam Molony, Josh Ericson, Jack Conan, Max Deegan, Caelan Doris, Brian Deeny, Diarmuid Mangan
Backs: Cormac Foley, Jamison Gibson-Park, Fintan Gunne, Oliver Coffey, Harry Byrne, Charlie Tector, Sam Prendergast, Caspar Gabriel, Joey Carbery, Jimmy O’Brien, Robbie Henshaw, Garry Ringrose, Jamie Osborne, Hugh Cooney, Jack Deegan, Connor Fahy, Tommy O’Brien, Jordan Larmour, Andrew Osborne, Hugo McLaughlin, Ruben Moloney, Joshua Kenny, Paidi Farrell, Ciaran Mangan, Hugo Keenan, Henry McErlean, Tadhg Brophy, Todd Lawlor
Lions
Forwards: Leon Lyons, Morgan Naude, Juan Schoeman, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Conrad van Vuuren, Heiko Pohlmann, Eddie Davids, Sebastian Lombard, Sivu Mabece, SJ Kotze, RF Schoeman, Stian de Bruyn, Boan Venter, PJ Botha, Jaco Visagie, Morne Brandon, Janco Uys, Marno Grobbelaar, Reinhard Nothnagel, Etienne Oosthuizen, WJ Steenkamp, Raynard Roets, JR Stopforth, Dylan Sjoblom, Batho Hlekani, JC Pretorius, Siba Qoma, Izan Esterhuizen, Jarod Cairns, Ruan Venter, Ruan Delport, Renzo du Plessis, Tiaan Wessels, Sibabalwe Mahashe, Luca Ribbens, Siya Dube, Francke Horn, Marco Ferreira
Backs: Morne van den Berg, Nico Steyn, Hasseim Pead, Layton Horn, Asad Moos, Lubabalo Dobela, Chris Smith, Sam Francis, Boeta Chamberlain, Manuel Rass, Eduan Keyter, Rynhardt Jonker, Erich Cronje, Henco van Wyk, Kelly Mpeku, Bronson Mills, Rabz Maxwane, Angelo Davids, Richard Kriel, Tapiwa Mafura, Keagan Smith, Dan Kasende, Quan Horn
Munster
Forwards: Josh Wycherley, Jeremy Loughman, Oli Jager, Michael Milne, Mark Donnelly, Michael Ala’alatoa, Roman Salanoa, Darragh McSweeney, George Hadden, Kieran Ryan, Ronan Foxe, Emmett Calvey, Conor Bartley, Jack Aungier, Kieran Brookes, Niall Scannell, Diarmuid Barron, Lee Barron, Danny Sheahan, Max Clein, Marnus van der Merwe, Fineen Wycherley, Tadhg Beirne, Tom Ahern, Edwin Edogbo, Evan O’Connell, Conor Ryan, Conor Kennelly, John Hodnett, Jack O’Donoghue, Alex Kendellen, Ruadhan Quinn, Brian Gleeson, Sean Edogbo, Luke Murphy, Michael Foy, Oisin Minogue, Gavin Coombes
Backs: Craig Casey, Paddy Patterson, Ethan Coughlan, Ben O’Donovan, Jake O’Riordan, Jack Crowley, JJ Hanrahan, Tony Butler, Tom Wood, Dylan Hicks, Will Harrison, Sean O’Brien, Shane Daly, Alex Nankivell, Tom Farrell, Dan Kelly, Gene O’Leary-Kareem, Gordon Wood, Eoghan Smyth, Calvin Nash, Andrew Smith, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Shay McCarthy, Mike Haley, Ben O’Connor
Ospreys
Forwards: Rhys Henry, Gareth Thomas, Ben Warren, Garyn Phillips, Tom Botha, Steff Thomas, Cameron Jones, Kian Hire, Sam Parry, Ethan Lewis, Efan Daniel, Lewis Lloyd, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Rhys Davies, Huw Sutton, Lewis Jones, Liam Edwards, Evan Hill, Will Greatbanks, Ben Roberts, Ross Moriarty, Harri Deaves, Morgan Morse, Marco de Witt, Gwilym Evans, Math Iorwerth-Scott, Morgan Morris
Backs: Reuben Morgan-Williams, Harri Williams, Kieran Hardy, Luke Davies, Scott Whitlock, Luke Scully, Keillen Cullen, Dan Edwards, Owen Erasmus, Lawson Creighton, Owen Watkin, Evardi Boshoff, Keiran Williams, Tom Florence, Lalakai Foketi, Dan John, Ryan Conbeer, Keelan Giles, Luke Morgan, Daniel Kasende, Harri Houston, Connor Moyse, Tom Rogers, Marika Koroibete, Max Nagy, Iestyn Hopkins, Lewis Edwards
Scarlets
Forwards: Harri O’Connor, Henry Thomas, Kemsley Mathias, Archer Holz, Sam O’Connor, Josh Morse, Gabe Hawley, Corey Domachowski, Kirby Myhill, Ryan Elias, Isaac Young, Harry Thomas, Josh McKee, Alex Groves, Sam Lousi, Steve Cummins, Jac Price, Harvey Cuckson, Dan Gemine, Will Evans, Cullen Grace, Tom Allen, Josh Macleod, Taine Plumtree, Dan Davis, Tristan Davies, Ben Williams, Fletcher Anderson, Keanu Evans, Tiaan Sparrow, Osian Williams
Backs: Dane Blacker, Gareth Davies, Archie Hughes, Sam Costelow, Carwyn Leggatt-Jones, Steff Jac Jones, Johnny Williams, Joe Roberts, Billy McBryde, Joe Hawkins, Eddie James, Macs Page, Elis Price, Gabe McDonald, Tomi Lewis, Blair Murray, Ellis Mee, Callum Woolley, Iori Badham, Ioan Nicholas, Ioan Jones, Jac Davies
Sharks
Forwards: Cameron Dawson, Hanro Jacobs, Dian Bleuler, Trevor Nyakane, Ox Nche, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Simphiwe Matanzana, Vincent Koch, Ruan Dreyer, Phatu Ganyane, Mawande Mdanda, Simphiwe Ngobese, Thomas du Toit, Bongi Mbonambi, Fez Mbatha, Eddie Swart, Ethan Bester, Bryce Calvert, Gideon Koegelenberg, Deon Slabbert, Jason Jenkins, Emile van Heerden, Eben Etzebeth, JJ Scheepers, Marvin Orie, Corne Rahl, Coetzee le Roux, Meno Barnard, Darrien Landsberg, Stephan Lewies, Vincent Tshituka, Tino Mavesere, Manu Tshituka, Jannes Potgieter, Thomas Dyer, Matt Romao, Phepsi Buthelezi, Nick Hatton
Backs: Jaden Hendrikse, Ross Braude, Bradley Davids, Tiaan Fourie, Ceano Everson, Ivan van Zyl, Siya Masuku, George Whitehead, Jordan Hendrikse, Vusi Moyo, Gianni Lombard, Andre Esterhuizen, Lukhanyo Am, Diego Appollis, Ethan Hooker, Jurenzo Julius, Litelihle Bester, Yaw Penxe, Marnus Potgieter, Makazole Mapimpi, Edwill van der Merwe, Phiko Sobahle, Christie Grobbelaar, Jaco Williams, Zekethelo Siyaya, Hakeem Kunene
Stormers
Forwards: Oli Kebble, Hencus van Wyk, Neethling Fouche, Frans Malherbe, Ali Vermaak, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Sazi Sandi, Zac Porthen, Vernon Matongo, Oliver Reid, Wilco Louw, Scarra Ntubeni, JJ Kotze, Andre-Hugo Venter, Lukhanyo Vokozela, Ben-Jason Dixon, Gary Porter, Adre Smith, JD Schickerling, Connor Evans, Riley Norton, Deon Fourie, Hacjivah Dayimani, Ruan Ackermann, Marcel Theunissen, Paul de Villiers, Louw Nel, Divan Fuller, Siya Kolisi, Evan Roos, Keke Morabe, Wandile Mlaba
Backs: Dewaldt Duvenage, Stefan Unger-er, Cobus Reinach, Imad Khan, Jean-Luc du Plessis, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Jurie Matthee, Kyle Smith, Ruhan Nel, Clinton Swart, Damian Willemse, Wandisile Simelane, Jonathan Roche, Suleiman Hartzenberg, Luke Burger, Markus Muller, Mfundo Ndhlovu, Leolin Zas, Sako Makata, Seabelo Senatla, JC Mars, Cheslin Kolbe, Warrick Gelant
Ulster
Forwards: Callum Reid, Eric O’Sullivan, Sam Crean, Bryan O’Connor, Tom O’Toole, Scott Wilson, Rory McGuire, Tom McAllister, Rob Herring, Tom Stewart, John Andrew, James McCormick, Matt Dalton, Iain Henderson, Cormac Izuchukwu, Harry Sheridan, Charlie Irvine, Joe Hopes, Eli Snyman, Dave McCann, Marcus Rea, Nick Timoney, Juarno Augustus, Sean Reffell, James McNabney, Lorcan McLoughlin, Bryn Ward, Tom Brigg, James McKillop, Ben Donnell
Backs: Dave Shanahan, Nathan Doak, Conor McKee, Matt Devine, James Humphreys, Jake Flannery, Jack Murphy, Jamie Benson, Stuart McCloskey, Stewart Moore, James Hume, Ben Carson, Jude Postlethwaite, Wilhelm de Klerk, Jonny Scott, Zac Ward, Ben Moxham, Jacob Stockdale, Ethan Mcilroy, Robert Baloucoune, Aitzol Arenzana-King, Bradley McNamara, Mike Lowry
Zebre
Forwards: Matteo Nocera, Enrique Pieretto, Muhamed Hasa, Paolo Buonfiglio, Ion Neculai, Juan-Manuel Pitinari, Luca Franceschetto, Riccardo Genovese, Luca Rizzoli, Marcos Gallorini, Giampietro Ribaldi, Shilo Klein, Tommaso di Bartolomeo, Giovanni Quattrini, Matteo Canali, Leonard Krumov, Alessandro Ortombina, Francesco Ruffolo, Franco Carrera, Giacomo Milano, Bautista Stavile, Jacopo Bianchi, Davide Ruggeri, Guido Volpi, Giovanni Licata, Samuele Locatelli, Davide Odiase, Giacomo Ferrari
Backs: Alessandro Fusco, Gonzalo Garcia, Thomas Dominguez, Nikolaj Varottoj, Migael Prinsloo, Martin Roger Farias, Giovanni Montemauri, Marco Zanon, Giulio Bertaccini, Luca Morisi, Damiano Mazza, Enrico Lucchin, Jacopo Trulla, Simone Gesi, Malik Faissal, Albert Batista, Giacomo da Re, Lorenzo Pani, Mirko Belloni, Tommaso Allan
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