Many expected the Welsh regions to be URC whipping boys this term, but three have proved largely competitive.
Cardiff took a huge step towards securing an end-of-season play-off spot with a 36-19 United Rugby Championship victory over Ospreys at the Principality Stadium.
Leinster maintained their unbeaten league record with an 11th straight success in a hard-fought 22-19 win over Ospreys in Swansea.
The Wales hooker has taken up his first head coach role with his home town club, Bridgend, and he likes to think he's learnt from the best
Dragons stunned Ospreys 23-21 in the United Rugby Championship thanks to a dramatic converted try by replacement prop Luke Yendle.
The tearaway openside made a huge impression with the Ospreys last season and he has a Wales cap in his sights
The Welsh national team maybe going through a chastening period but there is a rich seam of talent coming through
For the Ospreys, the big goal this season has been to earn respect and they will certainly have done just that with their stunning 27-21 bonus point victory over the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.
Ospreys stunned the Stormers in Cape Town to underline their United Rugby Championship play-off credentials by recording a 27-21 victory.