During the summer ‘break’ we will be publishing a series of ‘Summer Bulletins’ to keep everyone updated on a regular basis.
SQUAD NEWS
Neath RFC coaches Tim Ryan and Ryan Evans are busy putting the finishing touches to next year’s squad in readiness for the new WRU Premiership season which will start on September 7.
The vast majority of the squad which finished the past season have signed on again for 2024/25 and they will be joined by several exciting new signings as the coaches are in discussion with several players who are keen to join the Club so watch this space in the coming weeks !
Last Saturday, Neath RFC decamped to Carmarthen for a special fitness assessment and testing session as a result of which each player will be given an individually-tailored improvement programme with specific targets to be met before pre-season training commences at the end of next month.
VALETE
Neath RFC bids a fond farewell to a few familiar faces :-
Hooker SION CROCKER announced his retirement at the RGC game after a magnificent 223 appearances in the famous All Black shirt. He also crossed for 39 tries, 23 of them in season 2023/24 With a young family, Sion will have plenty to do and the Club wishes him all the best after being ‘part of the furniture’ at The Gnoll since 2013/14.
Also stepping down is outside-half KRISTIAN JONES who is taking up a coaching role at Trebanos RFC. Kristian joined last season and scored 95 points, appearing in 29 of Neath’s 30 fixtures, missing only the last at Carmarthen Quins. In his single season with Neath RFC, Kristian showed admirable commitment and he should excel in his new role.
Winger JAMES ROBERTS is also standing down after making 101 appearances and also scoring 39 tries for Neath RFC. College studies and a series of niggling injuries restricted James’ appearances last season but the ‘Cimla Express’ was always a threat to defences.
Seeking pastures new are wing LOUIS REES who made 34 appearances and scored 10 tries after joining from Swansea University and back rower TAINE MORGAN who played 7 games and scored 1 try after linking from Plymouth Albion.
Neath RFC secretary Mike Price said, “The Club’s very best wishes go to all five players wherever the future takes them. In a rugby sense, each of them has been a pleasure to work with and, more importantly, all are good citizens. It is sad to see them go especially Sion and James who have been with us such a long time.
“Still, sporting life goes on and Tim and Ryan continue to improve the squad and have already come up with good replacements with more to follow.
“Although we have barely finished last season, we are very much looking forward to 2024/25 and the Club is in a far better place than for many years with many positive developments off the field too.”
2023/24 – STATISTICS (AND DAMNED LIES ?)
The figures have been totted up and, including replacement appearances, the leading performers last season were Jacob Blackmore and Kristian Jones with 29 each.
They were followed by props Jack Powell (27) and Elis Hopkins (26) while centre Kieran Charles and back rower Morgan Kneath featured 24 times each.
Lock Cai Arnold in his debut season joined hooker Chris Morris on 23 while there was a three-way tie om 22 involving winger Ryan Griffiths, Ben Williams and Steff Williams.
Skipper Ryan Evans made 21 appearances before damaging his knee at Newport in March and scrum-half Gruff Williams appeared 20 times.
Steff Williams ended leading scorer on 133 points, Kristian Jones fell just short of his century on 95 and Ryan Griffiths led the try-scorers with seven.
FIXTURE NEWS
The new Premiership fixtures are expected to be released by the WRU late next month – discussions are ongoing regarding pre-season dates which will be announced when confirmed.
Neath RFC is hosting the ‘Heart of Wales Sevens’ on Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16. The ‘Heart of Wales Sevens’ is a growing competition and features several prestigious teams including the British Army and several Fijians. A Neath team has been entered and it should be a good day out for all the family.
SEASON TICKETS 2024/25
It is anticipated that season tickets will go on sale in early July – after the fixtures for 2024/25 have been confirmed.
‘GRAND SLAM’ LOTTERY
Neath RFC is launching its ‘Grand Slam’ lottery with prizes up to £1,000. To join, follow the link :
https://www.supportmyteam.co.uk/supporters/login-register?club_id=45
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES 2024/25
Matty Young has been busy working with advertisers and sponsors for the new season. He has been delighted by the response so far with existing and new backers coming on board.
Opportunities exist for perimeter advertising at The Gnoll, programme advertising, match sponsorship and match-ball sponsorship.
If you can help (or know anyone who can), please contact Matty on 07399 170621.
DENNIS GETHIN MEMORIAL
It was good to see Neath supporters backing the Memorial match in aid of the WRU Charitable Trust fund on Saturday when Seven Sisters put up a valiant performance before going under 38-49 to Glamorgan County at Maes Dafydd.
Incidentally, Panthers’ dynamo Linda Daniel’s remarkable rugby enthusiasm saw her do duty as first aider for the County side.
WALKING RUGBY
A big day for our Walking Rugby team on Sunday next – May 26 – as they stage a tournament on The Gnoll.
THE GNOLL – GROUND MAINTENANCE
Our contractors will begin summer pitch maintenance on Monday, June 24 following the Panthers’ home fixture against Sosbans the previous day. Building upon last summer’s extensive programme, The Gnoll should be in pristine condition come the pre-season games.
Until next time … MP