Welsh rugby: Talking points as Welsh rugby welcomes return of URC

Whether it was the demanding fixture list, a crippling injury list or the early confirmation of Toby Booth’s departure at the end of the season, Ospreys desperately struggled in the opening block.

Booth will be disappointed Ospreys will not be playing at Bridgend’s Brewery Field again this season – their only two wins of the season, against Stormers and Edinburgh, happened there.

That last success not only ended a run of three losses, but lifted them off the foot of the table, a depressing position after last season’s late heroics to reach the play-offs.

Booth was glad of the break and is looking forward to facing Zebre in Parma on Saturday night.

“It’s nice having a break in the season, especially when you’re pretty depleted, because it gives you a chance to recharge mentally and physically,” he said.

“Because you’re putting a lot of the same load and effort into the same players, you can go back and polish up parts of your game, and all coaches like to be able to do that without the pressure of putting a performance together.

“It was good to get the win against Edinburgh, to get some momentum into that block and we’re looking forward to getting going at Zebre.”

Adam Beard’s injury is a blow, but there are players returning while they have signed Wales-qualified New Zealander Ieuan Cornelius during the break. Morgan Morris has the most successful carries in the entire URC.

Next URC fixtures: Zebre (A), Scarlets (H), Cardiff (A), Benetton (H).