How the regions are looking ahead of pre-season kick-off

THIS weekend Wales’ four professional clubs - Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets - begin their preseason friendlies ahead of the United Rugby Championship later this month.

- STEFFAN THOMAS Rugby correspondent [e-mail]

It has been a long and arduous summer for Welsh rugby fans with the narrative dominated by off-field politics as the Welsh Rugby Union look to cut the number of professional clubs in Wales from four to two. Very little attention has been given to on-field matters but the season is drawing ever closer.

With preseason upon us we take a look at the strongest matchday squad each Welsh club can put out this season.

CARDIFF RUGBY

When Cardiff have their strongest team on the park they can compete with the better sides in the URC but like the other three Welsh clubs strength in depth will be the issue, particularly if they pick up a lot of injuries.

The backline is one which can hurt most defences and score tries.

The return from injury of Mason Grady will feel like a new signing for Matt Sherratt’s side with his size, power and pace a real asset.

Sherratt is likely to select the giant Wales international on the wing with a back three of Cam Winnett, Josh Adams and Grady one of the most potent in the URC.

Harri Millard may not be the biggest name but he was consistent last season and linked up well with Ben Thomas, while Callum Sheedy may well start the season as first choice outside-half despite the fact Cardiff have signed loan Lloyd from the Scarlets.

Cardiff could really have done with some extra recruitment up front to bolster the pack further.

A front-row of Corey Domachowski, new Wales cap Liam Belcher and Keiron Assiratti get the nod here but Cardiff have signed two new tightheads in Sam Wainwright and Javan Sebastian.

George Nott has been signed from the Dragons but Josh McNally was a consistent performer last season and Teddy Williams is one of the first names on the team sheet. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.