Big news this midweek is that :-
RUGBY RETURNS TO THE GNOLL THIS WEEKEND
Neath RFC is hosting the ‘Heart of Wales Sevens’ on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. The ‘Heart of Wales Sevens’ is a growing competition and features several prestigious guest teams and sevens experts.
The Senior Competition (Saturday) includes : Preseli Ba-Ba’s, Archers, Cardigan Exiles, REME, SM9 Daschunds as well as Cardiff Met and, of course, the “Neath Mourners” in what should be a good day out for all the family.
The Neath side will include familiar faces like Ben Williams, Dyfan Ceredig, James Roberts, Morgan Kneath, Jon Bayliss, Sean Wilcox, Ryan Griffiths and Iestyn Morgan as well as one or two new newcomers.
The ’round robin’ tournament kicks off at 10.00am and the Neath side are in action first against the Preseli Ba-Ba’s. Games continue thereafter at a fast pace through to around 7.00pm.
The full match schedule is on the Neath RFC web-site but please be aware that all timings are approximate and may be subject to change.
Outside bars and catering facilities will be open.
The Youth Competition (Sunday) starts at 9.30am with Briton Ferry leading the local challenge. Also competing are : Abercwmboi, Aberdare, Brecon, Cardiff Met Archers, Carmarthen Warriors, Egg Chasers, Haverfordwest, Lampeter, Llandeilo 1, Llandeilo 2, Merthyr, Pencoed, Pontypool, Rumney, Treorchy
C.C. (COURTENAY) MEREDITH
It is with deep regret that Neath RFC must record the death of one of the true legends of our Club in Mr. Courtenay Meredith, aged 97 – our oldest Wales international and British Lion.
Neath RFC’s sympathy goes to his family and friends – a fuller tribute appears on the Neath RFC Web-site.
FAREWELL
Carwyn James who served as our Fitness & Conditioning coach towards the end of the season has been directed to Swansea RFC. Carwyn made a good impression during his short time with us and we thank him and wish him well at St. Helen’s.
PRE-SEASON FIXTURES COMPLETE
Our pre-season fixture schedule has now been settled. Further to the last Bulletin, we have now confirmed the final game for Friday, August 30 when we will host Talywain, newly-promoted to the Championship, who are celebrating their 125th Anniversary and whom we played in the Cup in 1992/93 when Neath won 30-7 in a well-fought contest.
So the Blacks will warm-up with games against two rising Championship clubs either side of Swansea :-
Fri. August 16 Cambrian Welfare Home 7.15pm
Thu. August 22 Swansea Home 7.15pm
Fri. August 30 Talywain Home 7.15pm
STOP PRESS – WRU PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES ANNOUNCED
The full fixture-list is available on our Web-site but the season opens with a home game against Merthyr on September 7 before visits to Brecon and Newbridge and then a home game against Cross Keys.
The Premiership clubs will also compete for the “old” or “proper” WRU Cup – the draw will be made in late July.
The only scheduled fixture around Christmas is at Bonymaen on December 21 but contact has already been made with a local club surrounding Boxing Day.
THE GNOLL – GROUND MAINTENANCE WORK PARTIES
CAN YOU HELP ? We are seeking volunteers for our work parties over the weekends June 22, June 29 and July 6.
After all the Sevens action, The Gnoll will badly need a ‘spring clean’ – even though it is high summer. See Matty Young or Lee Hill at the Sevens on Saturday or Sunday if you can join the happy band.
And some repeat messages from last week :-
SEASON TICKETS 2024/25
It is anticipated that season tickets will go on sale in early July.
‘GRAND SLAM’ LOTTERY
Neath RFC is launching its ‘Grand Slam’ lottery with prizes up to £1,000. To join, follow the link on the web-site.
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES 2024/25
Matty Young is co-ordinating all our advertisers and sponsors for the new season.
He says, “We sincerely thank all the advertisers and sponsors who have renewed their support of us here at Neath RFC and we welcome aboard several new backers too. It has been gratifying to hear that so many people appreciate what Neath RFC means to the community at large and it has been humbling to receive all the well wishes of so many people who are keen to work with us.”
Opportunities exist for perimeter advertising at The Gnoll, programme advertising, match sponsorship and match-ball sponsorship.
If you can help (or know anyone who can), please contact Matty on 07399 170621.
Until next time … MP