Just 5 weeks to go until the first pre-season warm-up fixture on August 16 at home to Cambrian Welfare…
TRAINING PROGRESS
Upwards of 50 players have trained so far under Tim Ryan and Ryan Evans. Of others who played last year, we have seen :- Cai Arnold, Jon Bayliss, Jacob Blackmore, Dyfan Ceredig, Keiran Charles, Josh Clark, Tarik Dabeh, Matthew Davies, Lewis Evans, Ryan Griffiths, Llewellyn Hawkes, Elis Hopkins, Connor Jones, Ioan Jones, Evan Kneath, Fergus Kneath, Morgan Kneath, Ellis Lewis, Gareth Lloyd, Iestyn Morgan, Mason Morgan, Chris Morris, Jack Powell, Morgan Thomas, Gethin Tremlett, Ben Uphill, Sean Wilcox, Ben Williams, Steff Williams, Brychan Wood
They have been joined by some interesting new faces and a couple of returning old favourites in sessions at Neath Athletic RFC’s Court Herbert home. The squad also trained at Merthyr Mawr dunes last Saturday.
The Gnoll pitch summer restoration works went mostly according to plan and, after giving the new thatch time to take root, we will return ‘home’ later this month.
SQUAD SUPPORT
Supporters will be pleased to learn that last year’s medical team are on board again for 2024/25. Dr. Chandra Murugestan and physios Kerry Nicholas and Beks Powney will be supported once more by Ella Jenkins (soft tissue and rehabilitation) and Steff Gwyn-Carroll (massage therapist) to esnure that Neath RFC players get only the best of medical attention.
Kit Manager Lee Llewellyn is side-lined at the moment with an eye infection but fortunately Julian Beynon and Dean Evans are provding excellent cover, loading and unloading the minibus with all the training gear for training sessions at Court Herbert.
WRU PREMIERSHIP CUP
Neath have been drawn away to Brecon in the first round on October 5. Other ties involve Cardiff Met v Bargoed, Cross Keys v Llangennech, Merthyr v Newcastle Emlyn, Narberth v Bonymaen so byes for Newbridge, Pontypridd and Ystrad Rhondda.
This will be the second time Neath have visited Brecon in the Cup, the last time was in 1972/73, two days after returning from opening the Parc des Princes against French champions Beziers.
Neath, the inaugural winners, won 32-nil through tries by Ken Collier, John Poole, Martyn Davies and the back row trio of Wilson Lauder, Dave Morris and David Thomas with John Poole (3) and Wilson Lauder kicking conversions.
‘GRAND SLAM’ LOTTERY
Neath RFC is launching its ‘Grand Slam’ lottery with prizes up to £1,000. To join, follow the link below:
https://www.supportmyteam.co.uk/supporters/login-register?club_id=45
ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 2024/25
Matty Young continues to plough on with recruiting advertisers and sponsors for the new season. Opportunities exist for perimeter advertising at The Lextan Gnoll, programme advertising, match sponsorship and match-ball sponsorship. If you can help (or know anyone who can), please contact Matty on 07399 170621.
SEASON TICKETS 2024/25
Keep an eye on the web-site NEXT WEEK for details of our Season Tickets for 2024/25 which should be good news for Neath RFC supporters.
In addition to the standard Season Tickets, in response to requests, we are also introducing two new categories this year :-
International Season Ticket – £250
This new category brings with it guaranteed access to TWO tickets for Wales’ home Six Nations games against England and Ireland in 2025.
On receipt of payment for your International Season Ticket, you will be contacted (by e-mail) with payment details for the match tickets as they need to be ordered from the WRU prior to their closing date which is expected to be in early September.
Country Membership – £45
Neath RFC has a strong following from afar so, if you live outside the SA/CF/NP post code areas, we are introducing Country Season Tickets in order that you can maintain your links with the Club.
Country Members will receive admission to four league games at The Gnoll in 2024/25.
Until next time … MP