Cardiff Rugby

Wales number eight Taulupe Faletau returns to the Cardiff side after a shoulder injury, starting against Leinster in the URC. The team, fresh from wins over Scarlets and Zebre, make several changes and look to build on a promising start to the season.

Former Wales and British & Irish Lions full‑back Leigh Halfpenny has signed on as a full‑time skills coach at Cardiff Rugby. He will work with the club’s kickers, scrum‑halves and academy players, bringing experience from his recent role as Wales’ kicking coach.