Super Rygbi Cymru 2025-26 Second season of Wales’ top semi-pro tier set for big kick-off

Champions Newport and Llandovery have established themselves at the top of the semi-professional game under bosses Ty Morris and Euros Evans.

They have helped young Dragons and Scarlets prospects flourish while also winning games and claiming trophies.

Plenty are keen to push for SRC to be a development tool and for the gap to professional level to be closed, yet fans of the 10 clubs want wins.

“You have to get the balance right,” said Newport head coach Ty Morris, whose side won the 2025 grand final at Ebbw Vale.

“The standards wouldn’t be high enough if there were squads full of 20-year-olds. There needs to be a spine of former professionals or experienced players alongside the younger players.

“They also need to earn the right to be in the team – if they are not good enough then that drives them to get better.

“I believe development happens through having a sprinkling of academy players rather than loading up your side, although there are different models.

“It worked really well for Cardiff last season when they had plenty of Wales Under-20s backs all playing together.”

Newport won the title last season but also helped fly-half Jac Lloyd and centre or wing David Richards earn Dragons deals.

The Rodney Parade region leaned on Llandovery for their final URC game of the season when borrowing prop Jamie Hughes, who impressed when called into action early on in the fixture against the title-chasing Bulls in Pretoria.

Plenty of academy talent will aim to follow in the footsteps of Macs Page by starring for a Drovers side that is steered by the likes of evergreen scrum-half Lee Rees and centre Adam Warren.

Llandovery head coach Evans said: “Fortunately the Scarlets have had two successful years at under-18s level and those players will progress into the SRC with ourselves and Carmarthen Quins.

“It’s our responsibility to make sure their journey through to the top happens and that we support them on their way.”