Big news this week is the release of the
PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES 2024/25
Our fixtures have been received from the WRU and these are detailed elsewhere on the Neath RFC Web-site – first up on Saturday, September 7 will be Merthyr at The Gnoll which follows three home pre-season warm-up games.
‘HEART OF WALES’ SEVENS
A big thank you to everybody who supported the Sevens last weekend and to Neath Cricket Club for their co-operation. Well over 300 players were engaged over the two days and some fabulous rugby was played and witnessed by the appreciative spectators.
The young Neath Mourners team, featuring Neath RFC regulars alongside several promising youngsters, finished third overall which was very satisfactory for all involved and we hope to repeat the event next summer.
‘EVENTS, DEAR BOY, EVENTS’
Late Prime Minister Harold Macmillan is accredited with responding to the question of what was the greatest challenge for a statesman, with the reply: ‘Events, dear boy, events’.
Events are certainly a great challenge for Neath RFC too but we are determined to stage special attractions for our supporters and for the Town in general as we hope to grow the sense of community around us – after all, with the Town under fire from so many directions, somebody has to !
The Sevens last weekend was the latest event and it joins the Easter Eggs appeal, other charities (over £10,000 raised in 2023/24), Rugby League (see below), Community Fireworks Display, Remembrance Day, Christmas Lights Switch-On etc.
One day, our efforts will be recognised and rewarded !
TRAINING STARTS
Fitness assessments begin this week to see what progress has been made before in preparation for the new season.
We are grateful to Neath Athletic RFC for putting their facilities at our disposal for the start of training while remedial works and summer maintenance take place at The Gnoll.
THE GNOLL – CAN YOU SPARE A FEW HOURS ?
CAN YOU HELP ? We are seeking volunteers for our work parties over the next three weekends – June 22, June 29 and July 6.
With 20 volunteers already signed up for this week, please contact Matty Young at the Clubhouse or just turn up at 9.00 am on Saturday if you can join the happy band.
‘GRAND SLAM’ LOTTERY
Neath RFC is launching its ‘Grand Slam’ lottery with prizes up to £1,000. To join, please follow the link on the web-site, as below:
https://www.supportmyteam.co.uk/playraffle/login-register?club_id=45
SCHOOL SPORTS – FUTURE ATHLETES
It may interest supporters to know that recently as part of our community engagement, Neath RFC has hosted (free of charge !) school sports days for Ysgol Castell Nedd and Alderman Davies’ School neither of which have fields of their own.
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITES 2024/25
Matty Young is co-ordinating all our advertisers and sponsors for the new season – and there has been a fantastic response so far.
He says, “We sincerely thank all the advertisers and sponsors who have renewed their support of us here at Neath RFC and we welcome aboard several new backers too. It has been gratifying to hear that so many people appreciate what Neath RFC means to the community at large and it has been humbling to receive all the well wishes of so many people who are keen to work with us.”
Opportunities still 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.
WALES RUGBY LEAGUE
International rugby returns to The Gnoll in 2024 and two key dates for your diary are :-
Saturday, August 3 Wales RL Under-16’s v England
Sunday, August 18 Wales RL Cup Finals Day – 9 hours of rugby through all age-groups.
GLAMORGAN CRICKET ARE COMING !
Two more dates to note – Glamorgan cricket will be playing at Neath again this year in the 50-Over competition. Two more big days for the Town are :-
Wednesday, July 31 – Glamorgan v Notts
Friday, August 2 – Glamorgan v Sussex
Until next time … MP