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 s...