Friday night rugby under The Gnoll floodlights returns this week when Neath RFC entertain old rivals Newbridge in a WRU Premiership fixture (kick off 7.30pm).

Neath and Newbridge fixtures go back some 80 years to 1945/46 and there have been many classic clashes over the years between the two clubs.

Eve of international fixtures used to be part of Welsh rugby’s tradition and Friday should be the perfect aperitif to the Wales-Italy encounter on Saturday and the Under-20 international on Sunday.

The latest forecast suggests that the weather will improve with the possibility of showers on Friday evening and Neath are aiming to get back to winning ways after losing 35-47 at Sardis Road against Pontypridd last Saturday.

Neath shuffle their resources behind the scrum with Iestyn Morgan and Llewellyn Hawkes returning and Luke Davies and Aled Davies pairing up at centre. Only change up front sees Will Pope in for Casey Williams. A strong-looking bench features lock Jon Barley as well as former Wales Under-20 scrum-half Ellis Lewis back for his second game.

Neath v Newbridge (Home)

15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Ki Morgan, 13 Luke Davies, 12 Aled Davies, 11 Llewellyn Hawkes; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Kaden Davies; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Kian Jones, 3 Marley Lovell; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Steff Lewis; 6 Will Pope, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements  – 16 Sion Jones, 17 Josh Jones, 18 Chris Thomas, 19 Jon Barley, 20 Casey Williams, 21 Ellis Lewis, 22 Charlie Thomas, 23 Jacob Blackmore

Referee – Mr. Matthew Leon (Cardiff)

  Supporter Information

• Turnstiles at the Town End will be open from 6.45pm and spectators are advised to arrive no later than 7.15pm for the kick off at 7.30pm
• Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles
• Under-16’s FREE Admission when accompanied by an adult
• Match Programmes (£2) will be on sale inside the gates – don’t miss your copy !
• Refreshments available inside the ground – Shack Bar and Tuck Shop

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 – Forthcoming Fixtures

Saturday    March  21      Cross Keys                   Home         2.30pm

Saturday    March  28      Newbridge          Away          2.30pm