Shanklin Sees Star-Studded Overseas Influx As Timely Boost For Welsh Rugby

Tom Shanklin has hailed the high profile overseas signings made by the four Welsh teams as a major positive going into the new BKT URC season.

A host of imports have arrived over the summer, with Aussies Marika Koroibete, Liam Wright, Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi joining the Ospreys, while 76-cap former Wallaby prop Scott Sio has linked up with Cardiff Rugby, along with Namibian centre Le Roux Malan and Tongan forward Semisi Paea.

The Dragons have signed Samoan international scrum-half Ere Enari, Tongan Test wing Anzelo Tuitavuki and Kiwi No 8 Terrell Peita, with the Scarlets recruiting Cullen Grace and Isaac Murray-MacGregor from New Zealand, plus South African lock Alex Grove.

Double Grand Slam-winner Shanklin, who will be covering the BKT URC as a pundit for Premier Sports, feels it’s a timely boost.

“I can’t remember a season where there have been as many big name signings. That’s the positive,” said the former Wales centre.

“We’ve obviously lost Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, but there have been some really good signings.

“To strengthen the teams, there has to be a foreign influx and we’ve got that. You’ve got some big names coming into Welsh rugby.

“If you go back 20 years, it used to be a regular thing and the teams were competitive.

“So, in the short-term, I think it’s a good thing.

“We have been struggling for wins a lot over the last few years in Welsh rugby.

“I would be excited as a youngster seeing different nationalities coming over who have played international rugby.

“It’s a feel-good factor to show that these regions want to compete. To do that, you’ve got to sign big names and we have got some big names coming to Welsh rugby which is good.”

Ex-Cardiff star Shanklin points to the impact of previous overseas players at the Arms Park when it comes to what they can bring.

“If you look at what the likes of Xavier Rush and Nick Williams did, it’s experience and a fair bit of culture as well, in terms of how to hold yourself in training and looking after yourself.

“It’s values, all this stuff that a lot of foreigners can deliver.

“Xavier Rush was brilliant, while Paul Tito was one of the better ones, just the bloke he was. He was massive for culture, for values.”

Giving his thoughts on the current pecking order of the Welsh teams, Shanklin said: “Cardiff finished sixth in the BKT URC last season and qualified for the Champions Cup which is good and positive.