BBC Sport Wales examines the prospects for Cardiff, Dragons, Ospreys and Scarlets in the 2026-27 United Rugby Championship season. Cardiff, under permanent head coach Corniel van Zyl, aim to build on their sixth-place finish and Champions Cup qualification from 2025-26, leveraging their strong Arms Park form and targeting consistency. Key man Teddy Williams, the 2024-25 player of the year, must stay fit after injury limitations.

Ospreys, led by Mark Jones, seek to improve on 11th place by boosting away form and integrating new Wallabies signings Lalaki Foketi, Liam Wright, Marika Koroibete and Lawson Creighton, amid WRU structural uncertainty and plans for a new St Helen's stadium. Dragons and Scarlets are also assessed, with Cardiff targeting a return as Wales' top team through derby wins and improved away performances, while Ospreys focus on replicating home success and competing for play-offs.