But WalesOnline understands Cardiff have won the race for his signature and Basham is close to becoming the second big signing at the Arms Park ahead of the 2025/26, with Ioan Lloyd also set to join from the Scarlets. Basham has missed out of the last couple of Wales squads and a new environment could be just what the backrower needs.

Arms Park, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 25 January Kick off: 17:15 GMTCoverage: Listen to BBC Radio Wales commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website and app. Watch on S4C via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Following a 42-22 victory for the Sharks against Cardiff in the United Rugby Championship, here's our five takeaways from the game at the Arms Park.

Follow live text commentary, score updates and match stats from Cardiff City v Derby County in the Championship

Watch the tries from Cardiff Rugby's home defeat against the Sharks at the Arms Park in the URC

After a dismal first half, City took the lead shortly after the hour courtesy of Callum Robinson’s 11th goal of the season, before substitute Anwar El Ghazi quickly tucked away a second.

Sharks scrumhalf Grant Williams linked up play between a few of the try scorers in their URC match against Cardiff. Picture: Chris Fairweather/Gallo Images The Sharks proved a step above Cardiff, claiming their first-ever win against the Welsh side in their United Rugby Championship match at Cardiff Arms Park on Saturday (full-time score 42–22).

The loudest stadium in the Six Nations has just got louder after Wales was allowed to close the roof of Principality Stadium for the next two years.

Ben Thomas will start at fly-half for Cardiff for the first time this season in their final Challenge Cup pool match against Connacht on Friday.

Cardiff claimed their biggest South Wales derby league win for nearly 60 years with a 3-0 Sky Bet Championship home victory over Swansea.

Swansea City Under-18s suffered defeat in the south Wales Derby at Leckwith. Robert Tankiewicz put Cardiff ahead in the early stages before Thomas Woodward's equalising header was ruled out for offside moments later.

Warren Gatland has concerns over his front-row, fly-half and preparation time but could recall plenty of experience in Monday's announcement.