Neath RFC open the 2025/26 season with the toughest possible challenge – a tilt at the best club side in Wales Premiership champions Merthyr at The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 2:30pm).

The heavy defeat at Merthyr in the final game of season took the shine off a successful 2024/25 season for Neath and a good crowd is expected to come along and see the champions.

The opening game is always keenly anticipated and will be especially so for the  newcomers to the league in the Neath match-day 23 chosen by head coach Tim Ryan and his assistants and led by back rower Ben Williams.

Neath v Merthyr (Home)

15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Jon Bayliss, 13 Kieran Charles, 12 Sam Harris,11 Morgan Meaclem; 10 Paul Short, 9 Connor Tantum; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Sion Jones,  3 Marley Lovell; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Steff Lewis; 6 Will Pope, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements  –  Kian Jones, Owain Watts, Tarek Dabeh, Jacob Blackmore, Josh Hughes, Casey Williams, Kaden Davies, Ki Morgan

Referee – Mr. Mike English (Llanwern)  AR3 – Mr. Mark Evans (Bridgend)

Supporter Information

SEASON TICKETS – Neath v Merthyr

Until the credit-card style tickets arrive we advise those who have bought Season Tickets for the 2025-26 Season as follows:

1. Those who have bought tickets online can download their tickets and present these on your phones at the turnstiles
2. Those who have paid cash will need to advise the turnstile staff of their names on entry.
   A list of current season ticket holders will be available at the turnstiles for staff.

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.45pm and spectators are advised to arrive no later than 2.15pm for kick off at 2.30pm
• Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles
• Under-16’s FREE Admission when accompanied by an adult
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2) – don’t miss your copy
• Refreshments available inside the ground – Shack Bar and Tuck Shop
• 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 – multi-storey car park 50 metres across road from The Gnoll

Forthcoming Fixtures

Sat    September 13      Ystrad Rhondda     Home         2.30pm

Sat    September 20      Brecon                 Away         2.30pm

Sat    September 27      Pontypridd (Cup)    Home         2.30pm

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