Neath open the 2024/25 season in the new WRU Premiership with a home game against Merthyr at The Gnoll on Saturday (kick off 2.30pm).

The All Blacks could not have had a much stiffer start as they line up against the side which finished highest last season and who disposed of double champions Llandovery by a very convincing 40-26 last Saturday.

Neath completed their pre-season preparations with a 54-7 victory over Talywain last Friday but the Gwent side were a hard nut to crack and actually led for the first half an hour before Neath’s pace and fitness took its toll.

Neath have a lot of respect for Merthyr who have already been installed as favourites for this league by the bookmakers and coaches Tim Ryan and Ryan Evans have named a familiar-looking side with returnees Matthew Jenkins and Rhodri Cole named alongside new recruit Casey Williams.

The first selection of the season is always difficult especially when a squad has trained as hard as Neath have but opportunities for others will surely knock in the coming weeks.

Neath are hoping to attract a good crowd again – pre-season crowds were up on last year – as the weather is set fair until tea-time.

Supporters are encouraged to arrive early for what promises to be another entertaining encounter at The Gnoll which has already seen Neath score 20 tries in three games.

Neath v Merthyr (Home)

15 Lewis Evans; 14 Matthew Jenkins, 13 Sean Wilcox, 12 Kieran Charles, 11 Ryan Griffiths; 10 Steff Williams, 9 Rhodri Cole; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Josh Clark, 3 Mason Morgan; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Jacob Blackmore; 6 Casey Williams, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett

Replacements (From) – Kian Jones, Josh Jones, Gareth Lloyd, Dan Watkins, Sam Gardner, Ellis Lewis, James Dixon, Ki Morgan

Referee – Mr. Gareth Newman (Abergavenny)

September Fixtures

Saturday     September 14      Brecon                                 Away          2.30pm

Saturday     September  21     Newbridge                            Away          2.30pm

Saturday     September  28     Cross Keys                            Home          2.30pm

Supporter Information

• Admission : Adults £10, Under-16’s FREE
• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 1.30pm
• Programmes on sale inside the gates (only £2) – don’t miss your copy !
• Refreshments available inside the ground – bar and Tuck Shop
• For the comfort of spectators, no dogs allowed (other than sight-assisting), and there is no smoking or vaping inside ground.
• Main Stand – please keep the concourse clear at all times to allow others to enjioy the match.

Season Ticket Holders

Due to late arrival, supporters who have purchased Season Tickets should use the appropriate turnstile to gain their ‘fast lane’ entry on Saturday – but please be early to avoid congestion. Season Tickets will then be posted out ahead of the next game against Cross Keys.