Reeling from more financial strain, and still seeking a new head coach, Wales' summer tour of Japan may offer shafts of light.
Jack Crowley kicked 13 points as Munster overcame eighth-place finishers Ospreys 23-7 at Thomond Park to earn a BKT United Rugby Championship home semi-final.
The Ospreys’ unbeaten record against South African opposition in the United Rugby Championship came to an end with a 61-24 defeat by the Bulls.
The regions have battled manfully with ever reducing budgets but while Welsh rugby awaits another reboot other nations forge ahead
Gloucester fly-half Adam Hastings is set to make his return from injury on Friday against the Ospreys in the Challenge Cup quarter-final at Kingsholm.
Ospreys centre Keiran Williams scored two tries to help earn his side a 31-9 victory and condemn Scarlets to another derby defeat in Swansea.