As the season has now finally drawn to a close, ahead of announcing new arrivals Neath RFC bid a hearty thanks and farewell to players who are have retired or who are moving on to pastures new :-
Gareth Morris
Full back Gareth Morris has decided to return to home club Skewen after an injury-ravaged time at The Gnoll where he was restricted to just 6 appearances last season due to two nasty shoulder injuries.
Aaron Grabham
Aaron moves to Bridgend for the 2017/18 season after playing 38 games for Neath and finishing top try-scorer last season with 25. Aaron had difficulty aspiring to Neath’s training requirements and new signings (to be announced shortly) would have meant him no longer being an automatic choice.
Max Llewellyn
The 18 year old centre made an instant impression playing during the season’s run-in when he played in the last 9 consecutive games for Neath. Max has earned a Blues Academy contract and will probably turn out for Cardiff where he will come under the guidance of former Neath coaches Neil Edwards and Llyr Lane.
Rory Morgan-Williams
Centre cum outside-half Rory Morgan-Williams demonstrated his versatility in playing 26 times for Neath last year but again the imminent arrival of new players would have spelled fewer opportunities for him and he is linking with another Premiership club.
Josh Guy
Scrum half Josh Guy is taking up an opportunity nearer his home in Usk. The Swansea University graduate gave Neath full commitment in making 26 appearances in 2016/17 after joining from Llanelli.
Lyndon Bateman
Veteran second row Lyndon Bateman is stepping down after returning to play for Neath in 2016/17. Despite availability problems restricting him to just 11 starts in all games last year, Lyndon advanced his total Neath appearances to 61 after making his senior bow with the Club in the pre-regional days.
Alun Jones
As revealed at the recent Awards Night, flanker Alun Jones has been forced to retire following the nasty leg injury he suffered in last year’s opening home game against RGC. Alun was beginning to really establish himself at The Gnoll and had made a total of 31 appearances for Neath and his dedication was an example to all.
Neath team manager Martyn Morris said, “Neath RFC wish the seven players above all the best in their new pursuits. Squad rotation is never an easy process and all the more so for Gareth and Alun who suffered nasty injuries. We appreciate all the above have accomplished for Neath and will always welcome them back to The Gnoll.”