Ospreys have moved quickly to reinforce their back row by signing South African forward Marco de Witt on a short-term deal following the injury to Wales captain Jac Morgan.
Following an encouraging European block for the Welsh regions, the United Rugby Championship returns with three rounds of fixtures across the festive period.
It was a chastening day for Wales against South Africa, but amid the autumn campaign there were still some positives for Steve Tandy and his side, despite the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the domestic game.
The Bulls will be without key players, including Springbok centre Jan Serfontein, for their Champions Cup opener against defending champions Bordeaux at Loftus Versfeld.
The opening block of fixtures in this season’s United Rugby Championship has drawn to a close and as the league pauses for the Quilter Nations Series, the Welsh regions have plenty to ponder both on and off the field.