Neath RFC will play two high-profile warm-up games at The Gnoll ahead of the new Indigo Premiership season – with the possibility of a third to be added.

The Welsh All Blacks welcome old friends from across the border on Saturday, August 19 when Richmond come to Neath – the game will kick off at 7.00pm due to cricket on the adjacent field.

Then the following Thursday, Neath’s oldest rivals Swansea visit for a 7.15pm kick off and

Neath secretary Mike Price said, “We are looking at the possibility of one other game ahead of Richmond too.

“It will be nice to see Richmond again at The Gnoll. They are one of the oldest clubs in England, we are the oldest in Wales.

“Sadly, Anglo-Welsh fixtures are all too rare these days – and it is over 30 years since two of the most venerable clubs in the rugby world played each other.

“The first fixture between our clubs was in 1948 and we met regularly until 1989 when the leagues came into being.

“As regards Swansea, they are fast becoming a regular pre-season date at The Gnoll and they too will be a good test ahead of the league season.

“The fixtures have fallen nicely with the Blacks-Whites league ties scheduled for December and April so there is a decent spread.

“Training steps up this week, there is a great air of expectancy around The Gnoll and both games will offer an early attraction for local rugby supporters.”