Neath open their Premiership season against Swansea slightly later than most on Saturday with an evening kick off (7.30pm) due to cricket on the adjacent field.

After three warm-up wins against Ystalyfera (38-17), Moseley (14-12) and Narberth (38-7), the Welsh All Blacks have prepared well as they look to improve again on last season.

Neath coach Gareth Llewellyn says, “There is likely to be a familiar look about the Neath starting side. Most of last year’s squad are still with us and some of our summer recruits are likely to feature. Everybody has had game-time in the warm-ups which have gone really well.”

That could spell action for, among others, three-quarters Mike Evans and Richard Smith, scrum-half Scott Gibson and locks Ryan Bean and Matthew Davies.

Two players will be marking significant milestones with hooker Sion Crocker making his 100th appearance and outside-half Iwan Evans his 50th and team manager Martyn Morris says, “Swansea is always a special game – it was in my day – and we need the people of Neath and around to come along and really get behind us.”

“Saturday night games always bring a good atmosphere – season ticket sales are up, people are coming back and we can’t wait to get started.”

** SEASON TICKETS represent fantastic value for watching Neath in the Premiership and they are still on sale and may be purchased and collected from the Clubhouse on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (6.00pm-7.30pm) this week.