With another season starting to close, the rumour mill is in full flow and players start settling moves for next season. Robert Rees brings you the latest on the transfer front from the Indigo Group Premiership.
Craig Hudd (Confirmed)
Hudd will be joining Cardiff from long-term bitter rivals Newport ahead of next season where he’ll join the Hudd ranks alongside brother Nathan.
Looks like Craig Hudd is off to join Cardiff then, with Nathan.
I expect Newport to bring a few in, especially in the backs. https://t.co/Rt8AsqnBsf
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) July 22, 2023
Owen Conquer (Confirmed)
The Cardiff Rugby age grade product is joining up with Ebbw Vale. The 18-year-old back rower who can pack down at blindside or 8 is a hefty ball carrier standing 6’3, weighing 18st.)
Osian Davies (Confirmed)
The farmer come Ironman is confirmed to be leaving Merthyr this summer, but Last Word understands that he’ll be linking up with former coaching duo Dale McIntosh and Gavin Dacey with his hometown club, Brecon.
Phil Rees (Confirmed)
Phil Rees is yet another confirmed leaver for Merthyr, but he’s set to call it a day after years at the top and three Premiership title wins with the Ironmen.
Sam Cross (Confirmed)
The Olympic silver medallist and former Ospreys flanker has joined the Ironmen ahead of their crusade for a fourth title. The Rugby 7s star has been formally introduced to next season’s squad and wil be a fantastic addition to a squad.
Osian Knott (Confirmed)
The Ospreys centre has fought back from injury and will be taking up a full-time contract with Swansea ahead of next season, revealed by Last Word on June 5.
A good move this one for Rhys and Swansea who’ll add some experience to the fly half jersey.
James Davies a great option too, but expect to see a lot less of Dan Edwards.
I understand Osian Knott has signed on full time too. https://t.co/w2Zluu0F0o
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) June 5, 2023
Jordan Howells (Confirmed)
The former Pontypridd, Ebbw Vale and Bargoed centre, who has played his trade in both codes has left Sardis Road and will be making the trip to Spytty Stadium to boot Newport’s ranks next season where he’ll push the likes of Harri Ackermann for the jersey.
Kristian Jones (Confirmed)
The Premiership winner and powerful centre, who can also cover fly half will be donning the Welsh All Black jersey next season as he heads off to newly promoted Neath.
Nathan Hart (Confirmed)
With the collapse of Llanelli earlier this season and following the news they won’t be competing in next year’s competition Nathan Hart has made the decision to move on to Llandovery after several offers from other clubs.
Ollie Drake (Confirmed)
Drake moved to Cardiff in 2019 from Pontypool, and will be returning to the Championship champions elect for the 2023/24 season.
Cameron Regan (Confirmed)
The former Premiership winner will be making a welcome return to Eugene Cross Park next season as he moves back up the Gwent valley from Pontypool to Ebbw Vale.
Carwyn Penny (Confirmed)
The Cornish Pirates’ fullback come fly half is set to return to the Welsh Premiership where he previously had stints with Bargoed, Cross Keys and Ebbw Vale. Although, on this occasion he’ll be playing out of Spytty Park with Newport, coming back to Newport where he grew up, attending Newport High School.
Lloyd Ashley (Confirmed)
The former Ospreys and Scarlets lock is on the move from Merthyr and will be joining the All Whites down at St Helens as Swansea look to build big ahead of next season.
Llew Phillips-Taylor (Confirmed)
The Llanelli hooker is set to join Llandovery ahead of the 2023/24 Indigo group Premiership season following the West Walians pulling out of next year’s competition. An agreement is in place and set to be completed within the next week.
Kristian Dacey*
Having announced his retirement from the professional game on Wednesday night, Last Word understands that the former Cardiff and Wales hooker has agreed to a move to his former club Merthyr.
I spoke to @Cardiff_RFC centre Arron Pinches following today’s 18-13 win at Ebbw Vale.https://t.co/7wlHhdcoXv pic.twitter.com/TF3OA7lcLB
— Robert Rees (@Rreesrugby) April 29, 2023
*Kris has since joined Brecon.
Dave Whiting (Confirmed*)
The tighthead prop will be leaving the Steelmen at the end of the season to return closer to home and has signed for Luctonians in National League 2.
*Update: Dave has since signed a deal with Merthyr and will link up with the ironmen who he played for on permit in the play-offs and like Cross, has been added to the Merthyr WhatsApp group.
Taylor Davies (Confirmed)
Having been released from the Scarlets, Davies is picking up his rugby close to home and has signed for Llandovery next season.
Ioan Davies (Confirmed)
The Dragons have released Davies, who has featured with Newport heavily this season. That’s where he’s due to land next season and will boost Tyron Morris’ back three options.
Iolo Griffiths (Confirmed)
The former Scarlets academy winger has been released. Iolo Griffiths will be focusing on his education as he moves up to Hartpury College. playing any rugby in the BUCS league.
Josh Phillips (Confirmed)
The promising Welsh U20s fly half is another academy player on the move as the Scarlets have released him. He’ll be returning to the Premiership next season as Pontypridd’s fly half.
Tal Rees (Confirmed)
Rees has been let go by the Scarlets as regional squads shrink ahead of next season. The move has allowed the youngster to focus on his academic career and he’ll look to attack the BUCS scene with Cardiff Uni alongside his studies.
Morgan Allen (Confirmed*)
The totemic Cardiff eight looks set to join Premiership-elect Pontypool as Cardiff’s budget prepares to dip following a cull on professional budgets above. Allen’s move up to Gwent is unlikely to be the last of the Cardiff leavers.
*Update: Morgan Allen has made a U-turn on his move to Pooler and will now remain at Cardiff.
Lloyd Evans (Confirmed)
The Aberavon openside is making the short trip down the seaside to Swansea. With a rebuild starting this season, the All Whites are looking to add several more experienced players before next season.
Joe Thomas (Confirmed)
The Wizards centre will join Evans at St Helens next season after Aberavon’s latest squad re-shuffle. The powerful ball carrier will link up with Huw Gustafson’s side when they take up pre-season training over the summer.
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