Cardiff Rugby are delighted to confirm their full senior academy for the 2026-27 season as the club continues to focus on homegrown talent.

With 60 per cent of the current first-team squad products of the Arms Park pathway and strong representation across national squads, the academy is playing a critical role in the future of Welsh Rugby.

The focus on the next generation of Blue & Blacks has now been strengthened with 24 contracts or scholarships. Cardiff have retained a number of key individuals who have already made their mark at the Arms Park, whether within the regional age-grade programme, for Cardiff RFC or the first team squad, while recruiting some of the finest pathway players in the country. 

Academy manager Gruff Rees said: “We are thrilled with the senior academy group. It’s a huge testimony to the talent in the region and the work of our staff and partners in developing players that fit our succession plan and have clear professional aspirations.

“A number of the players have been with us for a while now and have been shining lights for Cardiff RFC and Wales 20s and are obviously on the cusp of the senior squad. 

“There are others who will be new to the full-time environment but are all players who have come through our pathway and our staff have been working closely with them as part of the junior academy and RAG programmes. 

“It’s also important to note that there is another cohort in the junior academy, many of whom have already been capped by Wales 18s. With further depth and competition over the next 12 months they will also hopefully thrive in the RAG programme, which Aled James runs so expertly, alongside the schools and colleges programme and their educational needs.”

Cardiff Rugby Senior Academy 2026-27:

Forwards:

Cameron Tyler-Grocott
Brayan Kamanga
Vinnay Cleak
Tom Howe
Isaac Jones
Harri Lewis
Tom Cottle
Gabe Williams*
Sonny McCabe
Evan Rees
Liam Williams*
Alfie Prygodzicz

Backs:

Matty Young
Rhys Cummings
Harry Turner
Calen Edwards
Devon Morris*
Elijah Evans
Osian Darwin-Lewis
Ioan Leyshon
Harri Wilde
Ben Coomer
Lloyd Lucas
Sion Davies

*denotes scholarship