After wins over Gorseinon (57-7) and London Welsh (22-19), Neath RFC complete their preparations for the 2025/26 season at home to Royal Wootton Bassett at The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 3.00pm),

It is something of a step into the unknown for the All Blacks as they have never played Royal Wootton Bassett, a rising English club, before.

The Wiltshire-based side are one division down from London Welsh in South West 1 so Neath can expect another strong challenge as the coaches continue to develop team plays and understanding.

The weather forecast suggests rain for Saturday – bad news for the cricketers but travelling supporters need not worry as The Gnoll pitch can take it and the ground offers covered accommodation on three sides.

The Neath team shows a number of changes from that which started against London Welsh last week. Ben Williams, fresh from his two-try display last week, captains with full back Iestyn Morgan, scrum-half Connor Tantum and back rower Steff Lewis coming in for their first games of the season.

Neath v Royal Wootton Bassett (Home)

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

Replacements  from –  Llewellyn Hawkes, Nathan Orrells, Dyfan Ceredig, Cellan Davies, Jacob Skeels, Jacob Daniels, Josh Jones, Thomas Richards, Tarek Dabeh, Jacob Blackmore, Josh Hughes, Casey Williams, Jonny Evans

Referee – Mr. Andrew Moule (Port Talbot)

Supporter Information

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 2.00pm and spectators are advised to arrive no later than 2.45pm
• Adults – £10 cash or card at turnstiles – Season Ticket holders special offer £5
• 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

Fixture News

Neath’s opening Premiership fixture against champions Merthyr has been switched to The Gnoll so the first month’s fixtures are :-

Sat    September 6        Merthyr                   Home         2.30pm

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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