Neath RFC’s Premiership fixtures for season 2023/24 have been released and secretary Mike Price greeted the news with enthusiasm saying, “Much as we enjoyed and respected the Championship, it will be a real pleasure to see Neath play some of our historical rivals again.

“The headline dates are obviously the two games with Aberavon.

“Our return to the Indigo Premiership could not come much better than a tie with our near-neighbours on September 2 – it will be a real challenge against one of the best sides in the Division.

“And it will be fantastic to resume the Christmas derby too against Aberavon – a game which we hope to play at The Gnoll on Boxing Day.

“That will provide a real attraction and occasion – and it is something which supporters of both clubs want to see as part of a traditional Christmas home-coming.

“The first month will be exacting but it is a challenge we can rise to.

“The first home game on September 9 will be an attractive one against Carmarthen Quins before a visit to  Merthyr. Then we will entertain Ebbw Vale in the Cup on September 23 before rounding off the month at home to Pontypridd on September 30.

“There are very few blank dates on the schedule to fill but everybody will be happy to see that the season should not run into May this year.

“We hope to have further good news next week about our pre-season warm-up fixtures and, with the boys back in training, the lead-in to the new season really begins to heat up now.

“It is a busy and complex time for us all off-field but having the fixtures released provides real focus for everyone.”

September Fixtures

Sat     Sept     2      Aberavon                                         Away

Sat     Sept     9      Carmarthen Quins                              Home

Sat     Sept   16      Merthyr                                           Away

Sat     Sept   23      Ebbw Vale (Cup)                                Home

Sat     Sept   30      Pontypridd                                       Home