Tom Shanklin hailed the high profile overseas signings for four Welsh teams as a hugely positive entry into the new BKT URC season.
A raft of imports arrived over the summer, with Australians Marika Koroibete, Liam Wright, Lawson Creighton and Lalakai Foketi joining the Ospreys, while former 76-cap Wallaby prop Scott Sio linked up with Cardiff Rugby, along with Namibian center Le Roux Malan and Tongan forward Semisi Pae.
The Dragons have signed Samoan international scrum-half Ere Enari, Tongan Test winger Anzel Tuitavuki and Kiwi no. 8 Terrell Peita, with Scarlets recruiting Cullen Grace and Isaac Murray-MacGregor from New Zealand, plus South African double Alex Grove.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Shanklin, who will cover BKT URC as a Premier Sports pundit, believes it is a timely addition.
“I can’t remember a season where there were so many big-name signings. That’s a positive,” said the former Wales center.
“Obviously we lost Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, but there were some really good signings.
“To strengthen the teams there has to be an influx from overseas and we have that. You have some big names coming into Welsh rugby.”
“If you go back 20 years, it was a regular thing and the teams were competitive.
“So, in the short term, I think it’s a good thing.
“We’ve struggled a lot for wins over the last few years in Welsh rugby.
“I would be excited as a youngster to see different nationalities coming in who have played international rugby.
“The feel good factor is to show that these regions want to compete. To do that you have to sign big names and we’ve got some big names coming into Welsh rugby which is good.”
Former Cardiff star Shanklin points to the influence 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 have done, it’s experience and quite a bit of culture, in terms of how to keep up in training and take care of yourself.
“These are values, all these things that many foreigners can deliver.
“Xavier Rush was brilliant, while Paul Tito was one of the best, just the way he was. He was huge for culture, for values.”
Giving his thoughts on the current pecking order of Welsh teams, Shanklin said: “Cardiff finished sixth in the BKT URC last season and qualified for the Champions Cup, which is good and positive.
“I think they will probably be the best Welsh team again this year.
“Winning ten out of 11 home games in the league last season is huge for confidence, which makes the Arms Park a tough place to come.
“They go out there and expect to win, which is good.
“I think their signings have been positive as well. The return of Jarrod Evans is good. It gives them really good options at fly-half.”
“Scott Sio looks to have fitted in very well and will bring a lot of experience, while Le Roux Malan is a big unit in the centre, which they lacked there, a bit of size.
“Mason Grady, if he’s fit again, it’s a big season for him, while Teddy Williams will also be available again.
“So I think Cardiff are probably the strongest Welsh team.”
They will begin their BKT URC campaign by traveling to Llanelli to take on the Scarlets this Saturday.
“It’s good to start with the derby,” Shanklin said.
“This is a big game and it is important to start the season well.
“The best thing Welsh teams can do is win their games at home, as much as they can. Then if you can get the odd away win, great.”
