There will be a very special father and son reunion in the United Rugby Championship this weekend as John and Taine Plumtree find themselves in opposing camps. If things had worked out differently, they could have been together at the Hollywoodbets Sharks as coach John was keen to bring his boy over to Durban from New Zealand. But Taine, who was born in Swansea while his dad was coaching there, opted to go down the Wales route, joining the Scarlets from the Blues Super Rugby side.

The player Cardiff Rugby coach Matt Sherratt described as a Rolls Royce will go through the gears for the first time in six months on Friday night. Taulupe Faletau – who broke his arm playing for Wales at the World Cup – will make his comeback in the capital city region’s United Rugby Championship match against Ulster in Belfast.

Wales’ most capped hooker, Ken Owens, has confirmed his retirement from rugby. The 37-year-old Scarlets forward – who has not played for almost a year because of a back injury – says he was advised to stop playing.

Dragons coach Dai Flanagan has claimed recent new deals reached by the club with some of their leading players proves they can hang on to their talent – even after they become established Wales internationals. Flanagan believes the new contract agreed with flanker Taine Basham is indicative of the region’s determination and ability to retain their best players, coming after new agreements in recent weeks for Aaron Wainwright and Rio Dyer.

The Ospreys were the big movers in the URC over the weekend, leaping up from 11th to seventh with a 36-21 bonus point victory over the Lions in Swansea. It puts them firmly back in the play-off mix and they also have a EPCR Challenge Cup last 16 tie at home to Sale to look forward to next weekend. As head coach Toby Booth points out, they are exceeding expectations.

Ospreys v Emirates Lions, Saturday, 3.05pm. Welsh rugby stalwart Sam Parry is aiming to celebrate a major landmark in his career with a crucial bounce back victory for the Ospreys.

Alex Craig is an “old school” rugby player enjoying a new lease of life. The second row’s move to the Scarlets has seen him secure a return to the Scotland squad, with his fine form earning him a call up for the Six Nations.

Dwayne Peel has challenged his Scarlets team to end the season with a flourish after their first United Rugby Championship win for over three months. There was a mixture of relief and delight for Scarlets coach Dwayne Peel following a last-gasp 16-13 victory over Benetton Rugby. Peel said: “I am pleased for the boys because they have been on the wrong end of those losses and they put a lot of hard work in. It was big for us to get that win at the end.

Sam Costelow has been urged to play with a smile on his face and enjoy his rugby as he returns to United Rugby Championship action. It was a difficult Six Nations for Costelow as he shared in Wales’ wooden spoon, while the spotlight is always on the No.10 position in Welsh rugby.

Wales insist they have not dropped George North even though the 120-cap centre has been left out of the team to play France despite being fit. Both North and Nick Tompkins have been replaced for Sunday’s Six Nations clash in Cardiff, with head coach Warren Gatland opting to pick Joe Roberts and Owen Watkin instead. North and Tompkins have 155 caps between them but assistant coach Mike Forshaw claimed the decision was made in order to assess Roberts and Watkin. “I don’t think they have been dropped,” said Forshaw.

Josh Turnbull intends to turn to coaching as his main rugby activity at the end of this season. The Cardiff forward has confirmed he will retire at the end of the campaign, but not before he passes a few more remaining milestones.

Wales rugby legend Sioned Harries has announced her decision to retire from professional and international rugby after more than a decade in the Test arena. Harries’ 14-year Test career saw her become one of the most respected and recognisable figures in Welsh and world rugby.