Cardiff sign Rigg and Roberts amid injury crisis

Cardiff have signed centres Will Rigg and Osian Roberts on short-term loan deals to ease an injury crisis in midfield.

The Blue and Blacks have been left short of options in following injuries to Mason Grady, Harri Millard, Rory Jennings and Elijah Evans.

Rigg joins from Exeter Chiefs, while Roberts makes the move from Sale Sharks.

"We're low on numbers with those boys out," said coach Corniel van Zyl, whose side host Connacht in the United Rugby Championship (URC) on Saturday.

"We've managed to have a short-term solution getting those boys in and they trained with us today (Thursday), which helped us. Slowly, we'll get them into the system."

Rigg, 25, studied at Cardiff Met and made his name at Coventry, scoring 14 tries in 31 games. He has made 23 appearances and crossed nine times since moving to Exeter in 2024.

Roberts, 20, was born in the Welsh capital and came through the Cardiff pathway before joining Sale via Kirkham Grammar School. He impressed while playing for Wales Under-20s last season.

"Osian is a strong defender and eager to play," said van Zyl.

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"Will is a big, fast centre who can play 12 or 13. He made a big impact at Coventry and Exeter. I'm excited to see what they can bring."

Van Zyl said Cardiff also explored the idea of bringing back Bath and Wales Under-20s centre Louie Hennessey, who had a short loan spell with them last season.

The club are also targeting a permanent signing and have previously looked at options in South Africa's Currie Cup.

Jennings and Millard were both injured in the 23–20 defeat to Munster last weekend.

Jennings faces more than 10 weeks out with a hamstring tear, while Millard's problem is not as serious as first feared.

Faletau and Halfpenny nearing return

In more positive news, Taulupe Faletau and Leigh Halfpenny are both nearing a return to fitness after calf problems and are expected to feature before the autumn international break.

Their availability would provide a welcome boost as Cardiff look to manage a challenging early-season injury list.

"Similar to last week, they're getting more training time and getting into the system more, so all positive," said van Zyl.

"Hopefully within the next two weeks [they will be able to play], so before the end of the block — but we'll have to make sure they're comfortable physically."

Halfpenny has already been contributing off the field having rejoined Cardiff on a short-term deal last month.

"You can see already he's made a big impact," added van Zyl. "It's small conversations sometimes that a player needs to build his confidence. Leigh's been really good."

Faletau, meanwhile, could come into contention for Wales selection before returning to action for his club.

"From the club's perspective, it's always the first prize for the boys to get higher honours," van Zyl said.

"It's not ideal, but ultimately as a player, you want to play well to get selected for your country. You can't hold him back from doing that. I'd back him every day."