Neath host Swansea at The Gnoll on Friday evening (kick off 7.15pm) as they complete their preparations ahead of the new League season.

Last week, Neath enjoyed a challenging 45-14 win at Crymych where the Division 1 West side did themselves proud but it will be a different prospect facing Premiership opponents Swansea who have been reinforced by a host of Osprey Academy players, many from Aberavon.

Assistant Coach Andrew Howell who took charge of the side last week said, “We had to work hard and ran some good straight lines at Crymych. We are making good progress but still have plenty of room for improvement. We showed that when we get in the right areas we can score and we will be looking at some different combinations against Swansea with three players coming in for the first time this season.”

Neath make several changes from the side which started at Crymych with Gareth Lloyd, Josh Clark, Tim Ryan, Matthew Davies, Carwyn Sion and David Griggs coming in up front while there are first starts of the season behind the scrum for James Roberts and Nicky Griffiths.

Flanker Owain Morgan will lead the team and the replacements bench has yet to be finalised as Neath have a full squad plus to select from – minus a couple of unavailabilities.

Neath v Swansea (Home)
15 Lewis Evans; 14 James Roberts, 13 Jon Bayliss, 12 Ben Atkins, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Nicky Griffiths; 1 Gareth Lloyd, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Tim Ryan; 4 Sam Langford, 5 Matthew Davies; 6 Carwyn Sion, 8 David Griggs, 7 Owain Morgan (captain)
Replacements TBC

Referee – Mr. Jason Bessant (Bridgend)

Forthcoming Fixtures :-
Sat. Sep. 3 Bargoed Home 2.30pm League
Sat. Sep. 10 Cross Keys Away 2.30pm League
Sat. Sep. 17 Bedwas Home 2.30pm League
Sat. Sep. 24 Pontypool Away 2.30pm League