Neath open the 2026/27 WRU Premiership campaign by entertaining Llanelli Wanderers at The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).

Last season the sides met three times including in the semi-final of the WRU Cup which Neath went on to win by beating Merthyr 32-21 at the Principality Stadium.

Neath completed their pre-season warm-ups with an entertaining 61-17 victory over The Fijians last Saturday but realise that Llanelli Wanderers will be a much more challenging affair.

The Neath side shows several changes with the speedy Lochie Barron coming in on the left wing and scrum-half Dion Jones earning a start. Up front, Mason Morgan returns at loose head and Sion Jones at hooker with Will Pope coming in at flanker allowing Jordan Evans to move to No.8.

The replacements’ bench includes a mix of youth and experience with Kieran Charles continuing his return to action.

Neath v Llanelli Wanderers (Home)

15 Steff Williams; 14 Morgan Meaclem, 13 Sam Harris, 12 Sean Wilcox, 11 Lochie Barron; 10 Paul Short, 9 Dion Jones; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Sion Jones, 3 Marley Lovell (captain); 4 Jack Phillips, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Will Pope, 8 Jordan Evans, 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements  (16-23) – Kian Jones, Ben Uphill, Kamren Harris, Jacob Blackmore, Rhys Barrow, Rhodri Jones, Kieran Charles, Ryan Callaghan

Referee – Mr. Joseff Rees (Tycroes)

Supporter Information

• Turnstiles at the Town End will be open from 1.30pm and spectators are advised to arrive no later than 2.10pm for the kick off at 2.30pm
• Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles (no re-entry)
• Under-16’s FREE Admission when accompanied by an adult
• Souvenir Programmes (£2) will be on sale inside the turnstiles – don’t miss your copy !
• Refreshments available inside the ground – Shack Bar and Tuck Shop

Match/Stadium Information

• Bag searches may be conducted to prevent illegal bringing in alcohol
• For the comfort of spectators and health of the players, no dogs allowed (other than sight-assisting)
• No smoking or vaping inside ground.
• Main Stand – please keep the concourse clear at all times for safety and to allow others to enjoy the match.
• Please refer any problems to the stewards and obey their instructions at all times

Car Parking

Plenty of car-parking available nearby including :-

• Multi-storey car park 50 metres diagonally across road from The Gnoll
• Small surface car park opposite The Gnoll.

Neath RFC – Next Fixtures

Saturday    September  12      Cross Keys                   Away                                                    2.30pm

Saturday    September  19      Beddau                         Home                                                   2.30pm