Neath have an additional fixture at The Gnoll on Friday evening (kick off 7.15pm) when centenary-celebrating Penybanc pay their first-ever visit.

Penybanc have several links to Neath via former captain Geraint Evans, Gwyn Ashby and Lyndon Bateman so Neath are pleased to help them celebrate their landmark on an otherwise blank weekend.

The Tigers are bringing strong support and Neath make wholesale changes taking the opportunity to re-introduce several players who are on the comeback trail.

Louis Rees switches to full back to contInue his rehabilitation as does winger James Roberts who was injured last October while 18 year old Rhys Harris pairs up with Luc Jones at half-back.

Evan Kneath hooks and packs down with Bryncoch Youth and Neath College prop Tarek Dabeh while lock Jon Barley returns after a 10-week absence alongside the dependable Ioan Jones.

Jacob Blackmore moves back to the back row and the team will be led by flanker Elis Hopkins.

The bench is yet to be confirmed but scrum-half Nicky Griffiths will feature and there is a welcome return for hooker Chris Morris who has been out of action since October.

* Neath have also brought forward their Championship game against Ystalyfera which will now be played at The Gnoll on Thursday, February 9th (kick off 7.15pm)

Neath v Penybanc (Home)

15 Louis Rees; 14 James Roberts, 13 Ben Atkins, 12 Sean Wilcox, 11 Ryan Griffiths ; 10 Rhys Harris, 9 Jay Weaver; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Evan Kneath, 3 Tarek Dabeh; 4 Ioan Jones, 5 Jon Barley; 6 Jacob Blackmore, 8 Morgan Kneath, 7  Elis Hopkins (captain)

Replacements –  To be Confirmed

Referee – Mr. Elfyn Morris-Roberts (Swansea Valley)

Forthcoming Fixtures :-

Thu    Feb      9      Ystalyfera                       H       7.15pm        Championship

Sat     Feb    18      Pontypool                        H       2.30pm        Championship

Sat     Feb    25      Bedwas                           A        12.30pm      Championship

HOSPITALITY

there will be live music from Walk the Dog after the match.

Special Offer in the Hospitality Suite to mark the occasion. Gourmet Burger and Chips, with match ticket and guest
speaker for just £10 for adults and £4 for U16’s.

Supporters can book via contact clubhouse@neathrfc.com or online via this link: https://neathrfc.com/tickets/