Ross Moriarty UK return: URC side now in pole position

There is an update on Ross Moriarty’s impending return to the United Kingdom, with the Scarlets and Ospreys both showing interest in recruiting the loose forward. Official news is expected in the next couple of months.

With Carwyn Tuipulotu leaving the Scarlets to join Top 14 side Section Paloise, Moriarty is seen as a valuable asset to add experience and additional power to the back-row trio. However, RugbyPass understands the Ospreys may be in pole position to sign the soon-to-be 31-year-old Welsh international, who wants to return home, having been raised in Swansea.

With Jac Morgan having extended his contract with the Ospreys, the region is making a serious effort to find a suitable replacement for Justin Tipuric, who will retire at the end of the season.

As previously reported, the Welsh No. 8’s contract with CA Brive expires next June, and he has been allowed to find a new club.

Moriarty joined Les Coujous in 2022 and has played a total of 39 games for the French club. He had a stellar season last year, starting in 24 of 32 matches and scoring four tries to help the club qualify for the Pro D2 Championship playoffs.

Moriarty has hardly played this season due to a significant injury, but he is expected to return to action in the coming weeks as CA Brive continues its pursuit of promotion back to the Top 14.

The utility forward previously represented the Dragons, joining them in 2018 after six years with Gloucester.

Since the Dragons have already strengthened their back row with the arrival of Cardiff’s Thomas Young, they appear to be out of the picture, leaving the Scarlets and Ospreys to vie for the 55-cap forward.

Moriarty last played for Wales in 2022, but his return to the Welsh regions could open the door for a possible recall to the national team setup.