HTSPORTSNEWS

It was a day to forgot for Dan Fish’s Cardiff side in Carmarthenshire as the Blue and Blacks suffered their first defeat of the season after a disappointing first-half performance proved to be the difference.

Tries from Lewis Morgan, James Newnian, Rhodri Davies and a brace from winger, Iori Badham saw Carmarthen Quins record their second win of the new Super Rygbi Cymru season at Carmarthen Park. 

It was a fast start to proceedings, after a knock-on from the kickoff just outside the Quins 22, the Blue and Blacks then had a penalty at the scrum and Osian Darwin-Lewis kicked into the corner. The ball was then spread out-wide and Luke Pollock kicked in behind and the Quins misplaced it to add even more pressure early on. From that, Cardiff had a scrum five metres out however, after a few phases the hosts won a penalty and relieved pressure. 

On six minutes Ethan Lloyd went blind which gave the opportunity for Dewi Cross to get upfield however, after the ball was kicked in behind, winger Louis Rees called for the mark and yet again cleared to relieve pressure. 

There was an early replacement for the Blue and Blacks as Dewi Cross tried to run off an injury to his leg but was eventually replaced by Joe Goodchild. 

The deadlock was broken on 14 minutes and this came from a brilliant pass from Aled Thomas to Iori Badham who put the hosts in their first attacking threat inside the Blue and Blacks 22. After a number of phases hooker, Lewis Morgan crossed over to score his fifth of the season. 

On the 25-minute mark Cardiff were penalised for not rolling away at the breakdown and after a successful take at the line-out a catch and drive followed which resulted in James Newnian crossing for the hosts second of the afternoon.

Open-side Ben Williams put the hosts on the front foot yet again and after breaking through the visitors defence, a number of phases followed and scrum-half Rhodri Jones crossed over on the half-hour mark. Aled Thomas added the extras to extend the hosts lead to 24-0. 

It was the visitors that ended the half the better as after the hosts were penalised inside their own 22, the Blue and Blacks kicked to the corner with both Luke Pollock and Steffan Emanuel in on the catch and drive, the ball was then quickly spread out-wide for Matty Young to cross over for his first try for Cardiff. 

HT: Carmarthen Quins 24-7 Cardiff 

It was great vision from Steffan Emanuel for the first real attack of the second-half for the Blue and Blacks. After taking the penalty quickly he offloaded to Tom Bowen who put the visitors metres out from the Quins’s line and after a few phases, Alun Rees looked to have crossed over but was held up over the line. 

The Quins were penalised moments later inside their own 22 and referee Mathew Leon awarded the hosts captain Tom Phillips a yellow card. From the resulting line-out a driving maul followed and yet again the ball was held up over the line after some heroic defending from the hosts. Cardiff were then reduced to 14-men after Rhys Barratt was sent off for ten minutes for coming in at the side of the ruck.

The bonus point was secured for the Quins after a brilliant run from winger, Iori Badham who crossed over for his second of the encounter. Thomas added the extras to extend the hosts lead to 24 points going into the final quarter. 

Aled Ward was next to be sin binned by referee, Leon but was later joined by try scorer, Iori Badham who was also yellow carded. There was more ill-discipline from the hosts and they were reduced to 13-men after replacement Will C Lewis was yellow carded for an infringement on the Quins’s line. With the momentum in the hands of the Blue and Blacks the ball was moved quickly out wide for Matty Young to crossover for his second. 

With the clock in the red, Joe Williams crossed the whitewash to score his first try of the season and quickly added the extras as Cardiff looked to try and get at least a point out of the game. However, it proved not to be enough as the Quins recorded their first win over the Blue and Blacks since January 2022. 

FT: Carmarthen Quins 31-19 Cardiff

Undefeated super-welterweight Carvell Crocker will travel across the Atlantic Ocean as he participates in the Transatlantic Clash between the UK and USA in Brownsville, Texas, this Saturday. Supporters back home can watch the action live on FightZone TV.

Crocker, trained by Garry Lockett, will be part of team UK, captained by former European (EBU) super bantamweight champion Spencer Oliver, as they take on team USA captained by Roy Jones Jr. at the Jacob Brown Auditorium.

“I can’t even describe how chuffed I was. I was over the moon,” Crocker on fighting in the United States.

“I never thought I’d be fighting in America at this point in my career.

“Never once did it cross my mind that I’d be fighting over in the States this early on in my career. The only time you imagine fighting in the States is when you’re fighting for a world title. 

“I’m looking forward to being captained by Spencer. You couldn’t ask for a better team captain. 

“I haven’t met Spencer personally yet; I have only witnessed him on TV, Talksport, etc., but he seems like a top bloke and knows a lot about boxing, so I can’t wait,” insisted Crocker. 

Crocker who is now 7-0 after his last win over his toughest test to date against Elliot Eboigbe at the Vale Sports Arena. He made his debut against Vaidas Balciauskas and had the Lithuanian down once in the first round before knocking him down a further two more times in the fourth.

Saturday will be something new for the 24-year-old as he is representing Team UK alongside; Oliver Duffy (5-0, 1KOs), Arnie Dawson (3-0, 1KOs), Brad Axe (1-0), Harvey Horn (11-1, 2KOs), and Mason Dickinson (5-0, 1KOs) make-up team UK.

“Just to be able to fight on such a great card along with other bright young prospects along with myself and the experience as a whole is something. 

“I would be very proud to win for team UK. I have to win. Boxing is my life. Losing is not an option for me and it doesn’t even cross my mind, I’m hungry. I can’t lose,” added Crocker. 

Standing across from Crocker is 41-year-old Antoine Elerson, who has had 44 professional fights. The orthodox fighter from Milwaukee began his pro career in 2004 and won the Wisconsin State super welterweight title back in 2022. 

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent. I’ve watched him once or twice and he’s pretty slick on the back-foot.

“He likes to counter a bit. But I don’t really look into it that much, I’m in there to get the job done and it’s nothing I can’t handle,” Crocker concluded.

Words By Harry Tovey

Cardiff RFC continue their Super Rygbi Cymru league campaign as they travel to Carmarthen Quins on Saturday afternoon (2:30 pm).

The Blue and Blacks head to West Wales after a midweek win against Ebbw Vale last Thursday. Winger Dewi Cross scored twice, sitting at the top of the pile with linebreaks. Also, both Efan Daniel and Joe Goodchild crossed the whitewash. Debutant Josh Thomas scored nine points from the tee as Cardiff made it back-to-back wins to begin proceedings in the inaugural league.

The trip to Carmarthen Park follows a positive start to Dan Fish’s tenure as head coach. The Blue and Blacks will be looking to carry on the momentum against the Quins on Saturday, who are celebrating their sesquicentennial season.

Despite only being in game week three, the Blue and Blacks are second behind rivals Newport RFC, who have also had back-to-back wins to begin the season.

Team News:

Replacements:

Pre-Match Thoughts:

Alun Rees will make his 80th appearance on Saturday for the Blue and Blacks. Speaking ahead of the fixture, Rees said: “We were very happy with the result last Thursday. 

“It’s always a tough game against Ebbw Vale, especially up front. We are still not quite where we want to be on some aspects of our game but overall, we are happy with how things are going, and to get the total 6 points against a side like Ebbw Vale is really pleasing.

“There’s been a good buzz around the place all summer. The boys have all gone to the well on some pretty dark fitness sessions during pre-season, but we’ve come out the other end, and it’s pleasing that we’ve managed to take that hard work out on the field and had two really good results first up.”

Onto the encounter, Rees continued: “I think the bus up to RGC was one of the best things that could have happened to start the season off. 

“We have a lot of young boys and new faces around the team, so it was a good opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and gel and then to top it off with 5 points was even better, so hopefully more of the same this weekend.

“Carmarthen has made the Park a very difficult place to visit, so we know we will have to perform to get away with anything. We’ve worked on a few things this week in training, which we will look to implement and hopefully come away with a result,” Rees added. 

Also on Saturday’s fixture head coach, Dan Fish stated: “We are looking forward to going to Carmarthen on the weekend, we know it’s going to be a tough encounter and are embracing that.

“We have had two good performances and are looking to continue that this week. A couple of changes to the team with boys having opportunities as they have all trained hard over the summer and deserve that chance.

“The competition we are creating in the squad is healthy and all the boys know that they need to play well to keep the shirt,” Fish concluded.

A look at the opposition 

The Quins started their 150th season with a win over Swansea (39-29) at home. This was followed by a trip to the Talbot Athletic Ground, where they lost 24-18 against Aberavon. 

Scoring hasn’t been a problem for the Quins as they have scored seven tries already this season, four of whom came from hooker Lewis Young, who will be one to look at for on Saturday.

Gethin Davies, Josh Helps, and Lewys Mullins have scored other try scores so far this season. Centre Osian Jones is also going to be an attacking threat from the tee, adding scoreboard pressure, which was on show against Swansea.

Head-to-Head

Historically, the Blues and Blacks have had the upper hand in this fixture, winning 24 of the 38 meetings. Last season, Cardiff did the double, winning 24-18 away and securing a 77-7 win in April. That day saw Luke Pollock score three times, Dewi Cross pick up a brace and Alun Rees, Harrison James, Morgan Allen, Joe Williams, Tom Rice, and Harri Wilde all score.

The Quins last beat the Blue and Blacks in January 2022, when they narrowly won 27-25 at Arms Park.

Remember the last meeting at the Park? 

The last time these teams met at Carmarthen Park was in March. The Blue and Blacks were scheduled to travel to the Park at the beginning of December last year, but it was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

The rescheduled fixture took place on a Friday evening, Alun Rees scored twice, Morgan Allen also crossed the whitewash and on-point kicking from Harrison James proved to be the difference under the lights in Carmarthen.

For those unable to make the journey on Saturday, you can stay up-to-date with the action following our live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, and Instagram).

After a quick five day turnaround, Cardiff RFC made it back-to-back bonus point wins in Super Rygbi Cymru as they defeated Ebbw Vale 29-12 at the Cardiff Arms Park.

A brace from Dewi Cross and tries from Efan Daniel’s and Joe Goodchild was accompanied by the boot of debutant, Josh Thomas as the Blue and Blacks recorded a six point bonus point as they won by 15 points over the Steelmen.

It was a cagey opener with deadlock being broken on the 13-minute mark as the visitors were penalised for being offside and debutant Josh Thomas added the three. Prior to this there was an early replacement as Benji Williams was replaced by Tom Rice.

After kicking into the corner, a catch and drive carved through the Steelmen’s resistance and hooker Efan Daniel’s crossed over. Josh Thomas added the extras and the Blue and Blacks went into an early 10-0 lead on 18 minutes.

Then, the visitors found themselves inside the Blue and Blacks 22 after back-to-back penalties. However, after the successful take at line-out, Ethan Phillips went into contact metres from the hosts line and openside Nathan Hudd expertly turned the ball over and relieved pressure.

Another attacking threat came from the visitors after Craig Hudd was penalised however, the Blue and Blacks expertly turned the ball over again. Outside-half Evan Lloyd had an opportunity to score the visitors first points on 34-minutes but his shot went wide. Moments later, there was another replacement for the hosts as Jason Harries replaced Elijah Evans.

Dewi Cross was next to cross the whitewash after the ball was spread out wide, his opposite number Hamish Anderson made a great attempt at stopping Cross from scoring. Thomas added the extras to make it 17-0 at halftime.

HT: Cardiff 17-0 Ebbw Vale

Shortly after the beginning of the second-half there was a long break in play as blindside, Gwilym Bradley received medical attention and was later replaced by Evan Rees.

Three minutes later the visitors scored their first points of the evening after Ieuan Morris crossed. Evan Lloyd added the extras to reduce the deficit to 10 points.

Tom Rice made a great break upfield to put the Blue and Blacks on the front-foot and after offloading to Josh Thomas the ball went into the hands of Dewi Cross who crossed over for his second. Josh Thomas remained 100% from the tee as he added the extras to put his side 17 points clear on 48 minutes.

It didn’t take the visitors long to respond as the lineout was a platform yet again and after a safe take from replacement Curtis Gregory, a powerful driving maul followed and Lewis Young crashed over to score.

Going into the final quarter referee, Ben Connor awarded the Blue and Blacks Captain Sean Moore a yellow card. That didn’t make much of an impact on the Blue and Blacks as after the ten minutes was over fullback, Joe Goodchild crossed to score on his 50th appearance for Cardiff RFC and secured the maximum 6 points at the Cardiff Arms Park.

FT: Cardiff 29-12 Ebbw Vale

Cardiff RFC face Ebbw Vale RFC in their first home game of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru campaign on Thursday evening (KO: 19:30).

After making the 374-mile round trip to North Wales to face Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) last time out, Dan Fish’s side will be eager to continue the positive start by securing another victory but this time in front of their home supporters.

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Pre Match Thoughts:

Speaking ahead of the fixture and after scoring a hat-trick in the 32-25 win over RGC, Tom Bowen said: “It felt pretty special to get my debut for Cardiff RFC. It’s a club which has a rich history and some of the very best have worn that jersey.

“The boys will be buzzing to get going again after a good win away to RGC. We want to build on our performance from RGC this week and always get better as it was far from perfect against RGC.

“I think from us, we are just concerned what we can bring to the table on Thursday night. Ebbw Vale will always be a good outfit but if we turn up and play to our strengths we should hopefully get the result.

“It’s a must win game for us as it’s the first one in front of our home support. We will want to showcase our best rugby,” he added.

Closer look at our opposition

Ebbw Vale started the new Super Rygbi Cymru competition with a home win over Aberavon (34-22) at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Tries from Captain Joe Franchi, Ethan Phillips, Ewan McIntyre, Ryan Gardner and Jon Evans saw the Steelmen pick up the same amount of points as the Blue and Blacks.

Lewis Young was Player of the Match and will be certainly one to watch out for. Evan Lloyd will be vital for the Steelmen having kicked ten points off the tee on the weekend.

Former Cardiff RFC tighthead, Adam Williams has been a good addition to the Steelmen after leaving the Arms Park over the Summer.

Head to Head Record

Historically, this tie has been in favour of the Blue and Blacks as they have won 70 of their 118 meetings which dates back to 1927.

However, last season they met on three occasions, Ebbw Vale won the first two meetings and the Blue and Blacks kicked off 2024 with a crucial win away from home.

The last time they visited the Arms Park it finished 36-20 and this was the first win in the Capital for the Steelmen since 2017. Ieaun Morris scored a brace which were both converted by Lloyd Evans and also Ryan Jenkins crossed alongside with a penalty try for Ebbw Vale.

Remember the last meeting?

The Blue and Blacks will have fond memories of the last meeting back in January of this year when they broke Ebbw Vale’s home-winning record.

This came after a superb second-half performance, which saw Jamie Hill, Ethan Phillips and Dewi Cross all score as Cardiff recorded a memorable 23-9 win at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Get to know our Special Mascot

Kingsley the Guide Dog puppy will be our mascot for Thursday night.

Kingsley said: “Hi, my name is Kingsley and I’m currently living with Tom Bowen and his family.

“I’m working hard as when I grow up, I’m hoping to become a life changer, as a guide dog.”

For more information on the good work provided by Guide Dogs, please visit this link:

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk

Information on Cardiff Rugby’s visually impaired team can be found here:

https://www.cardiffrugby.wales/about-community

For those unable to make it Thursday evening, you can stay up-to-date with the action by following our live updates across our social media channels (X, Facebook and Instagram).

The match will also be live on S4C Chwaraeon media channels including YouTube.

A hat-trick from debutant Tom Bowen and tries from both Dewi Cross and Joe Goodchild was accompanied by the boot of both Harri Wilde and Osian Darwin-Lewis as Cardiff recorded a late dramatic 32-25 win in North Wales against RGC.

The deadlock was opened on the six minute mark as Sean Moore expertly turned the ball over at the ruck, the ball was then spread out wide and Matty Young drew the last defender which allowed, Dewi Cross to score on his 45th appearance. Harri Wilde, was shooting into the wind which meant his shot went wide. Moments later, there was an early replacement as Lucas de la Rua was replaced by Evan Rees on the 11-minute mark. 

The next opportunity for the Blue and Blacks came after the hosts tried to play out from their own 22 but the ball got spilled into touch. Then, from the resulting lineout the hosts were penalised for coming in at the side and Harri Wilde kicked into the corner. However, after the catch and drive a number of phases followed metres out from the hosts line and the ball was knocked on and RGC eventually cleared to relieve pressure. 

After a powerful driving maul from the visitors who managed to get into the hosts half, the Blue and Blacks got their second as Elijah Evans managed to break through and offloaded for debutant Tom Bowen to cross the whitewash. Harri Wilde added the extras to extend the visitors lead to 12-0 on 20 minutes. 

Shortly after, the Gogs managed to turn the ball over at the lineout and after a significant amount of phases, the ball was spread out wide for winger Sam Stoddard to cross in the corner. Fullback Dion Jones from distance added the extras to reduce the deficit to five points. 

At the half an hour mark, the hosts crossed for their second. This came after a brilliant break from Assistant Coach/Player, Afon Bagshaw who broke through the visitors defence to put the Gogs metres out, then a number of powerful hits followed and Sam Williams crossed over. 

There was another injury for the visitors as scrum-half Sion Davies was replaced by Joe Williams who came on to make his 30th appearance for Cardiff. It didn’t take long for Williams to make an impact as he broke through the visitors defence and offloaded to Tom Bowen to score his second of the match. Wilde added the extras as the Blue and Blacks went in at the break 19-12 up. 

HT: RGC 12-19 Cardiff 

It was a great partnership between centres Elijah Evans and Jason Harries who created the Blue and Blacks third, as a break from Evans who eventually offloaded to Harries who kicked in behind to get up into the 22. It was then successfully gathered by Tom Bowen who won the foot race to cross over for his third. Wilde was unable to add the extras.

On the 49-minute mark, the hosts had an opportunity to score, outside-half Billy McBryde broke through but heroic defending from the Blue and Blacks put a stop to that attacking threat after holding the ball up over the line and Harri Wilde cleared from a goaline dropout.

Referee Tom Spurrier penalised Marc Thomas for an off the ball infringement and Dion Jones added the three to reduce the deficit to nine points. Then, after continuous pressure on the Blue and Blacks defence, second row, Tal Taylor crossed over with Dion Jones adding the extras made proceedings interesting going into the final quarter.  

On 68-minutes, Dion Jones converted a penalty to put his side in front for the first time in the game after the visitors were penalised at the breakdown. Shortly after, Dewi Cross made an impressive break up field into the 22 but was unable to successfully offload. 

The boot of Osian Darwin-Lewis was instrumental in the closing moments with the Gogs being penalised for being off their feet and after converting the three points, it added scoreboard pressure going into the dying moments for the hosts. 

However, try-scorer Dewi Cross made another brilliant break and this time around successfully offloaded to replacement Joe Goodchild who crossed over to secure the Blue and Blacks a 32-25 win in North Wales. 

FT: RGC 25-32 Cardiff

Last year’s double champions, Llandovery RFC began a new era of Welsh rugby with a dramatic win over Pontypool RFC despite late drama at Pontypool Park.

With the clock nearly in the red Pooler had a decision to make, either take the three points to draw the match or kick to the corner for once last push. With the momentum seemingly in their hands Kieran Meek kicked into the corner and after a number of phases the ball was spilled at the ruck and the ball was kicked dead.

It didn’t take long for the Drovers to break the deadlock, with the ball being spread quickly out wide for winger Ilan Phillips to cross to score the first ever Super Rygbi Cymru try. Jack Maynard was unable to add the extras which meant Llandovery went into an early 5-0 lead after two minutes. 

With possession being evenly shared between both sides, on the 15-minute mark and on his 100th appearance for Pooler, outside-half Kieran Meek added three points after the visitors were penalised for not releasing. (3-5)

Moments later, Pooler were reduced to 14-men after Sam Scarfe was shown a yellow card from referee Adam Jones after an off the ball infringement. From the resulting penalty into the corner, a catch and drive followed and Taylor Davies crossed over for the visitors second of the evening. This time around Jack Maynard was able to add the extras. (3-12)

Coming to the end of the first-half, there was a long break in the game as Llandovery’s Stuart Worrall was receiving some medical treatment after a collision. He was then stretchered off the pitch and replaced by Nathan Hart.  

As the half went on Pooler were holding more of the possession but some heroic defence from the visitors proved the difference as the Drovers went in at half-time with a nine point lead. 

HT: Pontypool 3-12 Llandovery 

It didn’t take Pooler long to capitalise on missed opportunities in the first half, as after a kick in behind from Joel Mahoney it allowed Mike Powell to cross the whitewash as Pooler finally converted one of their chances. Kieran Meek added the extras and therefore reduced the deficit to just two points. (10-12)

Minutes later, Joel Mahoney broke through the visitors defence and put Pooler up into the 22. After the ball was spread wide, Mike Powell crossed over for his second. This time around Kieran Meek could not add the extras. (15-12)

On the 50-minute mark Pooler were penalised for being off their feet and fullback Jack Maynard added the three to bring proceedings back level. Kieran Meek was involved again as after Pooler could not find a way through the visitors defence, the centurion opted for a drop goal to put his side three points ahead. (18-15)

That lead didn’t last long as Jack Maynard added another penalty conversion to bring the game back level going into the final 15-minutes at Pontypool Park. (18-18)

Replacement, Joseph Scrivens was shown the hosts second yellow card of the match after breaking the momentum of the Drovers attack. From the resulting penalty, Jack Maynard put the visitors back into the lead for the first time since the 45th minute. (18-21) 

Right at the end of the game, Pooler was left with an option to either kick at goal to secure a draw or gamble and go to the corner. They opted for the corner and after successfully gathering at the lineup, a few phases followed but the ball was spilled as Llandovery survived a late onslaught from Pooler.

Words By Harry Tovey

Cardiff RFC will kick-off the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru season with a trip to RGC Saturday afternoon (2:30pm).

The Blue and Blacks head to Stadiwm CSM to face Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) and will be aiming to start the new season on the front foot by securing an opening day win which last came in 2022.

This fixture will also mark Dan Fish’s first competitive game as the Blue and Blacks head coach.

Team News

To be continued

Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking ahead of the fixture club Captain for the 2024/25 season, Sean Moore said: “The boys are really excited to get the season underway this weekend. It’s been a tough pre-season with two tough games which have been great for us to see where we are as a group. And we are hoping to start with winning ways come Saturday. 

“I can’t say many boys will be looking forward to that bus journey up and back but it’s something we’ve got to get on with and just prepare as best we can. 

“They’re a team who enjoy to throw the ball about and play some good running rugby which is what we intend to do as well. So it’s going to be a tough old game to get our season underway. 

“It would be great to get a win to start the season and it’s never an easy place to go. It would be a great starting point for us as a squad to kick on for a tough season in the new league,” he concluded.

Closer look at our opposition

RGC finished last season’s Indigo Premiership on 40 points in eleventh place having won six of their 24 matches.

It’s been a summer of change for the Gogs as former Performance Manager Josh Leach has stepped up from his previous role to become the new Director of Rugby following the departure of Ceri Jones.

The Gogs began preparation for the upcoming season with three pre-season games. They first played Merseyside’s Caldy RFC and lost 26-24 before back-to-back wins against Bethesda RFC (57-10) and Swansea University (59-7).

Over the course of pre-season, Leach announced four new signings, with one of the more eye-catching ones being Billy McBryde from English Championship side, Doncaster Knights.

Remember the last meeting?

We last travelled to Stadiwm CSM for a 5:30pm kick-off at the end of 2023 where the conditions were not favourable as both sides could not get going.

A first half try from Efan Jones accompanied by fullback Sam Earl-Jones who added nine points from the tee saw RGC record a 14-9 win.

Also, late on in the match and after bringing in the TMO referee, Ben Connor awarded the Gogs captain Afon Bagshaw a red card after making direct contact with Dewi Cross’s head.

With the clock in the red Harrison James added a penalty conversion to secure the Blue and Blacks a losing bonus point as they finished 2023 with a defeat.

Head-to-Head Record

There have been 16 matches played between the two sides and historically against the Blue and Blacks RGC have struggled, winning four of their 16 meetings since their first meeting in 2011.

The biggest away win for the Blue and Blacks at Stadiwm CSM came in 2022 when they won, 52-29. Try scorers on that day were Alun Rees, Sean Moore, Alex Everett, Morgan Allen, Cameron Winnett, Ryan Wilkins and Ellis Bevan.

The Blue and Blacks kick-off of their campaign away from home for the fifth consecutive season where they aim to make an impressive start to life in the Super Rygbi Cymru league.

For those unable to make the journey to Colwyn Bay Saturday afternoon you can stay up-to-date with the action by following our live updates across our social media channels (X, Facebook and Instagram).

New Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC) Director Of Rugby, Josh Leach has stepped up from his role as being Performance Manager for the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru league which gets underway this weekend when the Gogs play Cardiff RFC at Stadiwm CSM.

Having played for RGC on 108 occasions from Division 1 East upwards he was apart of the RGC coaching set up that won promotion from the Championship in 2016 to the Premiership, Leach states his excitement ahead of the 2024/25 season.

“It’s exciting to be apart of the new competition, shifting from what was the old Premiership into the new league and hopefully the new competition adds a bit more of competition for our young players coming through,” said Leach.

“It’s a platform for our young players coming through the pathway and it will help them to push onto the professional game.

“For ourselves in North Wales it’s really important as we don’t have a professional team that sits above us or based in North Wales we tend to work with all four regions.

“Obviously having a platform that supports our academy players and giving them the best opportunity to play at the highest level and for them to push onto the professional game is really important for us,” he added.

The Gogs began preparation for the upcoming season with three pre-season games. They first played Merseyside’s Caldy RFC and lost 26-24 before back-to-back wins against Bethesda RFC (57-10) and Swansea University (59-7).

“We’ve talked about turning things around and the players have really put a huge amount of effort into doing that, in the way they have worked together,” said Leach on pre-season.

“The most pleasing thing is probably the way the boys have come together the last couple of years and last year in particular was a little bit disappointing for us but we look forward to this season.

“We’ve signed a couple of boys, some of whom have been with us before, Danny Cross (Kowloon), Billy McBryde (Doncaster Knights) and then a few new faces like Connor Dever (Rotherham), Dan Roderick (Swansea University) and Gruff John Morris.

“They are boys who haven’t been a part of our pathway previously but they will certainly add something to the environment. They probably add a few more bits of experience to the team, where we probably lacked a little last year, which was a little bit in leadership.

“The good thing about last year a lot of the younger players got a good amount of game time and that certainly puts them in a better position to have an impact this year.

“One of our ambitions is to start performing as a team that the region can be proud of, we’ll know that it won’t happen overnight but that’ll build over the year as we work our way up the table really to be competitive at the top,” added Leach.

A lot of the main aims of the new league is to provide young players with more playing opportunities at a higher level on a more frequent basis.

“We’ve worked really hard over the last year to have a really good relationships with the regions,” said Leach on development of players.

“We’ve got Efan Jones who’s down at the Scarlets having come through and played for RGC through our pathway over the years and you’ve got the likes of Dylan Alford who’s just come out of the U18’s and he’s on a dual contract with us and the Scarlets, so we’ve been working closely with them on his development.

“And as a club we will be looking at doing the same scenarios with the best players in North Wales in the next year or two.

Unlike the other nine teams, the Gogs begin their season with three home games on the bounce. They begin by facing Cardiff RFC, then they face the double Champions Llandovery RFC before playing Pontypool RFC a week later. With the travel not being a worry until game week four for RGC, it is demanding compared to other sides as they have to travel between 3-6 hours every other week to play away matches.

“It’s demanding but to be fair to the players it’s a hell of a commitment,” said Leach on the travelling.

“It’s a commitment for them and also sometimes this has an impact on players we are able to recruit because of the time commitment involved. 

“If the boys want to play at a certain level they’ve got to be prepared to make the sacrifice to do so and to be fair to them they don’t whinge about it and we try to make it as enjoyable as we can taking into consideration with the training and stuff,” he added.

The Gogs welcome The Blue and Blacks on Saturday to Stadiwm CSM for the opening fixture, on that Leach said: “ It’s very exciting, Cardiff the last few years have been a really tough team and then we have got Llandovery up second so from the first couple of games we will have a real good feel for where we are at, how much progress we’ve made over the summer and how we’ll have to go as the season goes on.  

“Of course it’s important to be strong at home, there’s a little bit of an advantage sometimes when some teams have been sitting on a bus for five or six hours whether they’ve come up the night before or the morning of. 

“We have got a really good support base, they turn out and make a fair bit of noise and you always want to win at home. We’ll be keen to make that the case and make sure we perform well when we are at home and make it a difficult place for teams to come,” Leach concluded.

Words By Harry Tovey