It has been another tough old season for Welsh rugby's four professional outfits. They all languish in the bottom half of the United Rugby Championship and there is very little still to play.
Sure, the Welsh Shield is up for grabs and with it comes a spot in next season's Champions Cup - the Ospreys and Scarlets are scrapping it out for that - and that isn't to be sniffed at. But, in truth, there has been little to shout about and attentions for some time have likely turned towards building for next season.
Acknowledging the myriad of off-field issues that need to be addressed within Welsh rugby, the four regions will desperately need to find a way of being competitive on it, with the standard of the URC likely to raise now that the South Africans have got their feet under the table.
