Cardiff Rugby will take on Richmond FC and Leinster as pre-season preparations for 2025-26 intensify. 

The Blue & Blacks will take on newly-promoted English Championship outfit, Richmond at the Arms Park on Saturday, September 6 (3pm). 

It will be the first time Cardiff’s senior side have faced Richmond since the 1998-1999 Rebel Season, where the two side’s recorded a win a piece. 

The fixture will double up as the club’s annual Summerfest event with entertainment and community-led activities held throughout the day. 

A week later, the Blue & Blacks will travel to take on reigning BKT United Rugby Championship champions, Leinster in Dublin, with the location to be confirmed in due course. 

Head coach Matt Sherratt said: “We’re really looking forward to getting stuck into the season ahead and these fixtures against Richmond and Leinster, as well as some opposed sessions we have planned, will be a springboard. 

“We know how important starting the season is in this competitions and these fixtures will give us a great platform to put everything we are working on into practice. 

“The Wales boys return in about four week’s time, so they won’t feature against Richmond but the whole squad will be in attendance on what promises to be a great afternoon where we can all mix together before the new season. 

“Preparations will then go up a notch against Leinster, and they will obviously present a really good test and experience for our group.”

Tickets for Cardiff Rugby versus Richmond FC are included in all Season Membership packages and will be available to purchase from next week. The fixture will take place with unreserved seating.

Cardiff kick-off the 2025-26 URC season against Emirates Lions on Saturday, September 27 (7:45pm).