Cardiff Rugby have confirmed that eleven players will be leaving the club at the end of the season, with legendary forward Taulupe Faletau not on the list.

Forwards Faletau’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, but Cardiff have not confirmed whether he will be signing extensions yet.

Josh McNally, another player whose future was up in the air, has agreed a new one-year deal to remain at the region for the 2026-27 season.

“Josh has been a really important player for us so we are delighted that he is going to stay for another season,” Van Zyl said.

“His move to Cardiff has almost given him another lease of life and he still has plenty of hunger to keep pushing forward as a player and as part of the group.”

“One more year! How could I possible say no?” McNally added.

“I feel incredibly grateful to be extending my time with Cardiff Rugby. This club and its fans have given me more over the last two seasons than I could have ever imagined.

“To be able to play at the Arms Park for another year is an absolute privilege. There’s nowhere I’d rather be. We have grown and improved again this season, there is huge potential here and a group that works extremely hard.

“With next season marking 150 years of this great club, it’s a hugely significant milestone. After what’s been an uncertain period, I’m really excited about moving forward together, into such an important year and continuing to grow both on and off the pitch.

“My commitment to the Royal Air Force continues. My entire career was shaped by the RAF, and I wouldn’t have 14 years in the game without them and I appreciate all the support they give me.

“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank my wife Sarah. Being able to come in every day and do something I love, wouldn’t be possible without her unwavering support.”

The club have already confirmed that Corey Domachowski will depart for the Scarlets, and Ben Donnell to Ulster Rugby, while Ed Byrne re-joined Leinster on a short-term contract last month.

Wales and Cardiff legend Leigh Halfpenny is retiring at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on an incredible playing career. Having re-joined the capital region as a player-coach, the club have not yet said whether the fullback will continue in a coaching role.

Prop Will Davies-King and centre Rory Jennings are both also leaving, both set to move to clubs in the English Championship.

Davies-King is a product of the club’s academy, who has made 34 first team appearances since making his debut in 2019, and a further 42 for Cardiff RFC.

Meanwhile Jennings, who starts in the centre in Cardiff’s final league game of the season, joined the club ahead of the 2024-25 season and has amassed 26 first team appearances.

“We would like to thank all of the departing players for their efforts in Blue & Black and wish them the very best for the next chapter in their careers,” head coach Corniel van Zyl said.

“Will and Rory are the latest to be confirmed and both can be very proud of their time at the Arms Park.

“For Will he is someone who has come through the system here and given his all over a long period. He has made more than 75 appearances across the firsts and Rags, and always given his all.

“Rory came in two seasons ago and has done a great job, providing some more experience in our midfield. He has been an important player for us and a great influence within the group and helped develop the younger generation players.

“He understands the game very well and has enjoyed some good performance on pitch while also offered so much off pitch.

“All six will always be welcome back at the Arms Park and we look forward to seeing what comes next for them.”

Meanwhile Ioan Emanuel and Ieuan Davies return to Bath following their season-long loans, and Mackenzie Martin’s contract comes to an end following his season on loan with the Dragons.

Dylan Barratt, Ollie Das, Joseff Jones and Harrison Rock have all also left the Cardiff academy.

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