**Cardiff Rugby Address Uncertainty Over Departing Players as WRU Administration Continues**
Cardiff Rugby has reached out to its supporters amid ongoing turbulence, issuing a statement explaining why the club cannot yet publish the names of departing players as this season draws to a close. This communication comes in the wake of a significant period of instability for the club, which was recently placed under temporary administration before being taken over by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU).
The decision to withhold information regarding player departures is rooted in the dramatic off-field developments earlier in the month. The club’s directors placed Cardiff in administration after owners Helford Capital failed to deliver their expected funding. In response, the WRU stepped in to assume control, offering much-needed short-term stability. Nevertheless, the transition has left the future direction of the Arms Park side uncertain, with significant questions still hanging over both players and the fan base.
At this point in the season, it is customary for professional rugby clubs to announce a clear list of players moving on. These announcements enable supporters to acknowledge the contributions of departing players and offer them a fitting farewell. However, Cardiff have stated that breaking with tradition is unavoidable under the present circumstances. In a social media statement, the club cited “recent events” within its structures and noted the ongoing importance of the remaining fixtures as key reasons for the delay.
A spokesperson for Cardiff Rugby commented: “While we appreciate supporters want to give their thanks to those departing, recent events at the club, combined with the fact there is still so much to play for, mean we are unable to publish a list of leavers at this time. Get behind the boys tonight and we will update you when we can. Diolch!”
The timing of this uncertainty is particularly notable as Cardiff remain in the hunt for a United Rugby Championship (URC) play-off spot. Their Friday night fixture against Munster is pivotal to their ambitions of finishing inside the top eight. The Blue & Blacks currently occupy sixth place, with Munster just a point behind in what promises to be a closely-fought contest.
While there is no timeline on when a full list of leavers will be made public, some departures have already been confirmed through separate club channels. Prop Rhys Litterick will be moving to Edinburgh, while back row Thomas Young is set to join the Dragons. Other notable moves include Seb Davies and Tinus de Beer, both reportedly heading to Rodney Parade, and Wales international Mackenzie Martin, who has attracted interest from other Welsh regions.
Player movement is affecting other regions in Wales as well. The Ospreys are said to be in negotiations with Efan Daniel, a promising hooker whose current contract with Cardiff is expiring. Daniel is also drawing attention from Premiership clubs in England and another Welsh side, intensifying speculation over his next destination. Conversely, Cardiff are set to strengthen their squad with the confirmed arrivals of Wales internationals Taine Basham from the Dragons and Ioan Lloyd from the Scarlets for next season.
Across Welsh rugby, the situation remains fluid. Of the four professional regions, only Scarlets have so far published a comprehensive list of their departing players, confirming on Friday that seven individuals, including Lloyd, are leaving the club. This group also includes Steff Evans, who departs after a notable 11-year career at Parc y Scarlets, alongside last season’s player’s player Alex Craig, who is bound for Glasgow Warriors. Others moving on include Shaun Evans, Charlie Titcombe, Efan Jones, and Ed Scragg.
For supporters, the latest developments highlight the complexities facing professional rugby in Wales, with financial uncertainty and player movement dominating headlines. While specifics regarding who is leaving Cardiff this summer remain under wraps for now, the club has promised updates as soon as circumstances allow. In the meantime, supporters have been urged to continue backing the team as they chase URC play-off qualification, with the hope that stability both on and off the pitch is not far off.