Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh return from their summer break this weekend with pre-season fixtures against Newcastle Red Bulls and Ulster respectively.
As we enter September, we are now just a few weeks out from the 2026/27 United Rugby Championship (URC) campaign kicking off. With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at what all 16 clubs have been up to over the past few months in terms of notable arrivals and departures in their playing squads and any other big changes.
Here is what every URC club has been up to over the summer break - including Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh:
1. Benetton
Some big exits, with centre Tommaso Menoncello joining Toulouse and Argentina international prop Thomas Gallo joining Lyon. Australia international Josh Flook strengthens their ranks at centre, while Maori All Black's lock Isaia Walker-Leawere looks a useful addition from Hurricanes. Apart from that, they have kept a consistent side with a host of Italian international talent, including back rowers Michele Lamaro, Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone, which is undoubtedly their strongest area of the park. The biggest change comes as former Wales boss Wayne Pivac steps into the head coach position after Scotsman Calum MacRae quit earlier in the year. | Getty Images
2. Bulls
There's been a fair bit of player movement around the South African clubs this summer, with Springboks stars Kurt-Lee Arendse and Ruan Nortjé heading leaving Loftus Versfeld for Japan, while Wilco Louw has joined Stormers. The Bulls haven't managed to add the same level of international quality but have made some shrewd and experienced signings - including full-back Thaakir Abrahams from Munster and back rower Hanro Liebenberg from Leicester Tigers, while the versatile Curwin Bosch will add depth at fly-half. | Getty Images
3. Cardiff
Experienced former Exeter Chiefs prop Scott Sio, capped 74 times by Australia but now representing Tonga on the international stage, is the most eye-catching of their summer additions along with the return of Wales fly-half Jarrod Evans from Harlequins. Cardiff have said farewell to Leigh Halfpenny, with the three time British & Irish Lions tourist hanging up his boots and taking on a job as kicking coach with the club. They have also added New Zealander Dan Bowden, who recently worked with Eddie Jones and the Japan men's national team to their coaching staff. They've also been able to tie down key players on new contracts, including Wales internationals Sam Wainwright and Taulupe Faletau. | Getty Images
4. Connacht
Stuart Lancaster embarks on his second year as Connacht head coach having guided them to the play-offs with a win over Edinburgh in the final round of regular season fixtures last campaign. There's been a decent turnover of players, but all of their biggest names are staying put. Arriving in Galway this summer is veteran South African prop Francois van Wyk - previously of Northampton Saints, Leicester Tigers and most recently Bath. They've also added Ireland internationals Will Connors and Ciarán Frawley from Leinster as they look to push further on with their progression under the former England head coach. | Getty Images