HTSPORTSNEWS

Early last week Cardiff RFC announced eight new signings for the upcoming Super Rygbi Cymru competition which gets underway with an away trip to RGC in September.

One of the new signings for The Blue and Blacks is 23-year-old Josh Thomas who returns back to Wales after spending two seasons at Kingston Park playing for Newcastle Falcons in the Gallagher Premiership.

On signing for Cardiff RFC, the left-footed kicker who is also able to play at fullback stated: “I’m excited to be back playing in Wales and really looking forward to the season starting.

“It’s an exciting new chapter to have signed for Cardiff and I’m looking forward to start playing.

“I’m very excited to play in this new league and can’t wait to get started,” he added.

A product of Pontardulais RFC and YG Gwyr, Thomas has represented Wales U20s and made 23 senior appearances for the Ospreys, on what he brings on the field, Thomas added: “As a player I like to be an attacking threat and taking the ball to the line.

“Having done 2 years in Newcastle and learnt a lot up there, hopefully I can bring some of what I’ve learnt to Cardiff.”

The Blue and Blacks begin their 2024/25 with a journey to Stadiwm CSM to face RGC before hosting Ebbw Vale a week later at the Cardiff Arms Park where Thomas could make his home debut as a Blue and Black.

After signing with the Falcons in the summer of 2022 Thomas scored 17 points in just nine appearances, on what he wants to achieve this season, Thomas added: “I Just want to get some regular game time and keep learning for myself.”

Thomas joins Benji Williams, Jarred Williams, Marc Thomas, Gavin Parry, Thomas Harper, Aled Ward and Charlie Manship as the new faces at the Cardiff Arms Park for the upcoming 2024/25 Super Rygbi Cymru competition.

Stay tuned for more interviews with the new Blue and Black signings in the coming weeks.

Words By Harry Tovey

Marc Thomas returns to the Arms Park after his move to Pontypool RFC last season, where he made eight appearances. The loosehead has also appeared for Harlequins, Worcester Warriors, and the Ospreys, where he made 42 appearances for the region. The seasoned front-rower will add real experience and support the continued development of the young front-row talent at the club.  

A three-time British Universities and College Sport (BUCS) Super Rugby finalist with Exeter University, Jarred Williams has a genuine desire to push his game on at the Arms Park. The former Cardiff and Vale College student made 58 appearances for the 2022 and 2023 BUCS National Champions and scored twice. 

Former Wales U18 and Ospreys back-rower Benji Williams will be returning to The Blue and Blacks after time away from the club where he played for Cardiff Met. At the conclusion of the 2023/2024 BUCS Super Rugby season, the number eight was named in the team of the season and was the only Welsh University student named in the XV. 

Mountain Ash product, tighthead Thomas Harper makes the move to The Blue and Blacks after time with Pontypridd. The former Swansea University student helped his side gain promotion to the BUCS League, where he also got his first taste of Premiership rugby with Swansea RFC back in 2018 and has made appearances for the Valley Commandos with aplomb over the last few seasons.

Another recruit from Sardis Road is Aled Ward, who is a former Cardiff Rugby Academy player who represented Wales at both U18 and U20 level. He has also represented Cardiff Met where he also carried out his studies. After that, he also spent time at English Championship side Hartpury RFC before crossing back over the Severn Bridge to join Pontypridd RFC. The versatile backrower can cover all three positions.

Hooker Charlie Manship is another Cardiff Rugby pathway product who has represented Cardiff Rugby at both U16’s and U18’s. In the 2023/24 season, Marship was a regular starter for Bristol Bears U18s whilst attending Hartpury College

From one hooker to another, Gavin Parry, who has also played for Cardiff Rugby Academy, returns having recently represented Scotland U20s and Boroughmuir. Some Blue and Black supporters may remember that the experienced Welsh Premiership player with Pontypridd was also named on the bench for The Blue and Black’s game against Carmarthen Quins in April. 

Within the backline, Cardiff RFC are delighted to announce the signing of outside-half Josh Thomas to the Arms Park from Newcastle Falcons. Thomas has had experience with the Ospreys Academy and senior squad and has also represented Wales U20’s. The former Gallagher Premiership player can also play at full-back and provides a left-footed kicking option for The Blue and Blacks. After, signing with the Falcons in the summer of 2022, scoring 17 points in nine appearances.   

The Blue and Blacks Academy players

The Cardiff Rugby Academy players which will be representing The Blue and Blacks include, Cam TylerGrocott who recently won the Academy Player of the season at the end of seasons awards. The other players include, Wales U20’s stars Matty Young and Kodie Stone. Harri Wilde and Evan Rees are among the names with Sion Davies at scrum-half being included. In the centre both Elijah Evans Osian Darwin-Lewis have been selected with Tom Bowen being chosen to represent from fullback. Within the front-row Harrison Rock has been included.

On the eight new signings and also the 2023/24 season as a whole, Director of Coaching Gruff Rees said: “We are really excited by the new Super Rygbi Cymru league and, despite a few retirements, we are really pleased with the recruitment of new players that will add huge energy and enthusiasm to the environment as well as genuine rugby quality that fits in with the purpose of the league and our high performance culture at the Arms Park.

“Alongside the core squad members, who are integral to running this programme successfully and are delighted that they have committed again, and with a strong academy presence we aim to play a thrilling brand of rugby and be highly competitive again in the new league.”

Words By Harry Tovey

Top of the bill at the Vale Sports Arena this Saturday features Newport’s Ryan Pocock (5-1, 1KO) facing Llanelli’s Ethan George (5-1, 1KO) for the vacant Welsh super middleweight title previously held by Morgan Jones in 2019.

The two were scheduled to meet on Sanigar Events last show at the Vale Sports Arena back in early March, however the man from Newport suffered a perforated eardrum in the lead up to the fight.

Pocock will be aiming to become the first person from Newport to win the super middleweight Welsh honours, the 35-year-old gets his chance after picking up five wins on the bounce after losing his first professional fight back in October 2021.

The 5’9” orthodox fighter, George comes into this all Welsh showdown on the back of handing Alex Branson-Cole his first professional loss after stopping him in the second round at York Hall in November last year.

Also on the card, Risca’s Jake Tinklin (11-2) defends his Welsh super lightweight title against “The Italian Stallion” Angelo Dragone (7-3) over 10 rounds. For Dragone this will be his third attempt at claiming the belt as his previous attempts saw him lose to Kristian Touze and in 2021 Jacob Robinson where he lost on a 95-94 scorecard.

Since that loss to Robinson, the man from Carmarthen has picked up two impressive point decision wins over Phil Price and Kasey Bradnum.

Tinklin on the other hand comes into the contest on the back of a defeat to Senan Kelly at the Warehouse at the Red Cow, Dublin where he attempted to claim the BUI Celtic title back in February this year. Tinklin claimed his Welsh super lightweight title after beating Pontypridd’s Tom James at the Vale Sports Arena in November last year.

It is also a big night for Porthcawl’s James Atkins (6-0) as he looks to improve his undefeated record as he takes on an undefeated Yorkshiremen Owen Durnan (2-0) who made his professional debut back in November last year.

After a dominant points win over Connor Meanwell back in April, Cardiff’s Carvell Crocker (6-0) returns to in-ring action and goes head-to-head with Italian Elliot Eboigbe (0-1) who made his pro debut two weeks ago.

After winning fight of the year with his Welsh title fight with Conor McIntosh super featherweight Nathan Howells (8-1-1, 1KO) makes his first outing of 2024 as he rematches Costa Rica’s Jose Manuel Perez (12-13-1, 9KOs) over six rounds. The two previously met back in February 2023 at the Vale Sports Arena, where referee Chris Jones scored the contest 57-57.

15 weeks on from her first defeat as a professional, Swansea’s Victoria Perkins (1-1) looks to get back to winning ways after losing to Linzi Buczynskyi at the Brangwyn Hall. She takes on Kerry Orton (0-7) who last fought at York Hall.

After a dominant performance over Steve Davies last time out, Caerphilly’s Mark Davies (4-0) returns to the Vale Sports Arena and takes on Mexican Fernando Valencia (9-59, 5KOs), this bout also sees the Welshmen in his first six rounder as a professional.

Super Middleweight Haaris Khan (2-0) looks to improve his undefeated record as he goes head-to-head with Latvian Edgars Sniedze (6-48-1, 6KOs). He has taken both Willy Hutchinson, Jordan Withers and Mark Jeffers the distance previously. Jimmy Gilheaney (2-0) at 22 looks to remain busy as he faces Nicaraguan Engel Gomez (8-28-3, 4KOs) at super featherweight.

2023 Welsh Senior Elite Welsh National amateur champion, Daniel Walshe makes his professional debut this weekend against Karl Sampson (6-34-1, 1KO).

Also on the card it sees Aberdare’s Lewys Parfitt, make his professional debut. Parfitt claimed the Welsh National Championships Elite back in April 2023 and will take on Nottinghamshire’s Fonz Alexander (9-164-1, 5KOs) over four rounds.

Saturday night also sees the return of Port Talbot’s Joshua John (9-2) who takes on Middlesbrough Cain Singh (1-2-1) over six rounds. Singh comes into this contest on the back of referee Ryan Churchill scoring his last bout a 57-57 draw against Harvey Elding, whereas John comes into the fight on the back of winning every single round last time out against Marvin Solano.

Words By Harry Tovey

On Tuesday, June 4th, at the Pack Bar in the Cardiff Arms Park, Former Ysgol Plasmawr and Ysgol Glantaf student, and now Cardiff Rugby player Theo Cabango will be announced as the Welsh Ambassador for the Lesotho Rugby Academy.

Lesotho Rugby Academy trustee Steve Lloyd welcomes everyone to what should be a great event but please let Steve know if you’re coming or wish to receive more information on how to get involved, contact 07999 843838.

This rugby based charity aims to use rugby to promote information about HIV/Aids, healthy lifestyles, and gender equality to young people of Lesotho.

Lesotho is the fifth highest country in the world, with the highest point being the 3,428m peak of Thabana Ntlenyana, and many of its villages can only be reached on horseback. The former British protectorate is surrounded by South Africa and heavily depends on their neighbours for employment opportunities. 

In September 2014, the Lesotho Rugby Academy was launched. It works with schools to introduce pupils to the wonderful game and, in doing so, delivers important messages about healthy living in Lesotho.

The country itself is a desperately poor but beautiful nation, and 1 in 4 of the population is HIV positive. This charity can helps children feel a sense of togetherness by being a part of the team whilst working with them on health issues and how to combat them. 

A 10-week programme delivers young boys and girls important messages of the importance of not just HIV/Aids but also gender equality, good nutrition and how to live a healthy and responsible life.

The programme is in partnership with Dolen Cymru (the link between Lesotho and Wales), and one of their aims is to produce top-quality players and to place Lesotho rugby on the Rugby World map.

On top-quality players and to see whether the academy has been a success, look no further than Sekhola Phate, who, at the age of 13, found a passion for rugby whilst studying at Phomolong High School. 

Sekhola has proudly represented his national team, playing in countries such as Mauritius and Botswana.

Lately, the teenager’s achievements have not gone unnoticed, as South African rugby team Cheetahs Rugby has invited him to enrol in a three-year sports management course in Freestate. The utility back line player but preferably 10 or 15 has become the first male player from Lesotho to achieve this. 

It’s not even just Sekhola’s success story; players have gone from begging for rugby posts in the early days to becoming an associated member of World Rugby. Five female players have also played in the South African rugby pro leagues.

People behind the academy:

Trained in HIV awareness, gender and health, Coach Roy Nyasha Zhou has been coaching rugby in the Kingdom since 2012. Roy established the Maseru Warriors rugby club and is one of the co-developers of the Academy syllabus and delivers programmes to over 50 schools. He is a World Rugby Level 2 qualified coach and coaches the Likoatola. 

One of the men behind the establishment of this charity is Dan Aylward, a former Hackney RFC player and Oxford University graduate and is one of two people who set up the rugby academy whilst working with the Lesotho government. All he wanted to do whilst living in the country between 2011 and 2013 was to play a game of rugby.

In an interview with the Sun in 2018, Aylward stated: “I sent an email to the expat community asking if there were any local clubs- and I got two replies. 

“One said there was one across the border 30km away in Ladybrand, and the other said sometimes he saw guys chucking a rugby ball around on the tennis courts at the gym.” 

It started out with teaching the six rugby novices on a tennis court in the capital Maseru.

Things then quickly spiralled into high-level government meetings, before the incredible formation of Lesotho’s national side.

Litsitso Motseremeli, the other founder of the charity who took up rugby in 2011, is now the director of the academy programme after finding a passion for the sport.

He started volunteering full-time for the charity and is now the ambassador and the country director for the Academy programme. Litsitso has received a Commonwealth Beacon award for working with young people. 

Going back to the huge night at The Cardiff Arms Park on June 4th, the start time being 18:45, there will be a performance by the Cardiff Arms Park choir as The Blue and Blacks family along with the Welsh rugby community comes together to welcome Cardiff winger Theo Cabango into his new role as Welsh Ambassador of the Lesotho Rugby Academy.

Please inform Lesotho Rugby Academy trustee Steve Lloyd whether you will be present at the event. He can be contacted on 07999 843838. If you can’t make it on the night, you are welcome to get in touch if you wish to get involved in fundraising.

Words By Harry Tovey

Tries from Ioan Hughes, Kian Abraham and a brace from Macs Page saw the Drovers make it back-to-back Indigo Premiership Finals as they put aside The Blue and Blacks 34-13 at Church Bank.

Skipper Morgan Allen crossed in the 31^st minute to score the only try of the match for the visitors as Arwel Robson kept it 100% from the kicking tee. 

Former Cardiff player Jack Maynard opened the scoring just after the three-minute mark as The Blue and Blacks were penalised for not rolling away. Moments later, Arron Pinches was involved in an off-the-ball altercation with Drover’s captain, Jack Jones. The inside centre was awarded the only yellow card of the match after a TMO (Television Match Official) check. 

Both teams were showing great defence, and neither side could break through; after Rhys Barratt was penalised for tackling off the ball, fullback Maynard added the three to double the host’s lead.  

Arwel Robson scored the first points of the match for The Blue and Blacks as the hosts were penalised after handling in the ruck. Then, ill-discipline cost the Drovers, as Cardiff found themselves metres from the host’s line after being penalised, and Arwel Robson kicked to the corner.

After, numerous phases, Morgan Allen crossed over to score his eleventh of the season and put The Blue and Blacks in front going into half-time. 

HT: Llandovery 6-10 Cardiff

Llandovery struck first in the second half after successfully regathering at the lineout from a penalty. Flyhalf Ioan Hughes crossed the whitewash and added the extras to put his side back into the lead at Church Bank.

It didn’t take long for the hosts to score their second; blind-side Osian Davies broke through The Blue and Black’s defence and eventually offloaded to replacement Kian Abraham to score. 

With it seemingly being one-way traffic, Arwel Robson slotted another penalty, which reduced the deficit to seven going into the final quarter. Seemingly with ease, Macs Pages crossed over to score the third of the match after breaking through The Blue and Black’s defence.

However, there was a bit of a damper on this dominance as the game was halted for ten minutes, and Drovers captain Jake Jones was stretchered off the pitch. 

Llandovery ended a commanding second-half performance with another try from Macs Page after putting pressure on the visitor’s defence. The win for the Drovers sees Steve Law’s reign as Head Coach of The Blue and Blacks come to an end, what a run he had. 

Thank you Steve.

FT: Llandovery 34-13 Cardiff 

Words By Harry Tovey   

Cardiff RFC travel to face WRU Premiership Cup winners Llandovery RFC this Saturday in their Indigo Premiership semi-final playoff where they aim to break the home winning streak of the Drovers that stretches back to March 2023.

The other playoff semi-final sees Newport RFC take on Ebbw Vale RFC at the Newport Stadium at the same time on Saturday.

The Blue and Blacks come into this game on the back of having a three week break, whereas the hosts for Saturday’s encounter have played twice in that time against both Swansea and Bridgend Ravens.

Last time out The Blue and Blacks guaranteed themselves a playoff spot after a commanding first-half performance where they scored six tries. That day saw Dewi Cross score twice and Morgan Allen, Lucas de la Rua, Craig Hudd, Nathan Hudd, Sean Moore all crossed the whitewash as they beat Merthyr 47-24 at the Cardiff Arms Park.

The Drovers on the other hand last time out finished the regular season of Premiership for the first time in first, after putting aside The Ravens 62-13 in front of the S4C cameras.

This will be The Blue and Blacks second visit of the 2023/24 season to Church Bank as the last time they played the Drovers away from home it finished 31-12. In their last meeting back at the start of February it finished 54-26 to the Drovers.

The last time The Blue and Blacks were victorious at Church Bank was back in April 2022 when Mason Grady scored a hat-trick, and Alun Rees, Morgan Allen, Sean Moore, Max Llewelyn all scored as Cardiff recorded a 41-21 win over the Drovers.

Player Thoughts:

Ahead of the trip to Church Bank on Saturday, Luke Pollock gave his thoughts, he stated: “Feels good to make the playoffs. The nature of playing with Cardiff is we are expected to do well- so I’m more relieved we made it, in what has been a challenging season for the team.

“Really happy to get my club cap and tie. 20 games in a season shows some level of resilience so I’m happy with that.”

“The coaches have still backed me when I haven’t played my best rugby which I appreciate.”

When talking about the 2023/24 season, Pollock said :”First season has been tough, lots of ups and downs and overall haven’t been that pleased with my performances but I have learned a lot.”

“I am hoping to take that into next season.”

“Every season I plan to enjoy it and play as much as possible. Personally I wanted to push for a spot with the seniors which I haven’t managed to achieve, this is still a goal I have.”

“So haven’t hit all my goals for the season, but that’s what gives you drive and motivation heading into the next season.”

On Saturday’s opponents, he said: “I want to beat Llandovery. Everyone does in the league. They are the team to beat at the minute.

“Saturday is our best chance of doing it I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Getting into the final would be class for this group, but let’s just focus on beating the Drovers,” he concluded.

Team News:

For Saturday’s huge match head coach, Steve Law makes numerous changes to his starting XV that faced Merthyr almost three weeks ago.

After signing a new deal with the regional side Cardiff Rugby, Rhys Litterick replaces Christian Brooke at tight-head. Also within the front row, Joey Tomlinson makes his return and replaces Alun Rees at hooker.

In the second-row former Wales U20 star Callum Bradbury makes his return to Cardiff RFC from Merthyr and will be joined by Ethan Phillips who comes back into the starting XV in replacement of Craig Hudd.

Sean Moore moves from second-row to the blind-side and will join both Lucas de la Rua and captain Morgan Allen in the back-row.

Within the backline it sees only one change as Joe Goodchild replaces Matty Young at 15 who drops onto the bench.

Cardiff RFC Lineup:

15 Joe Goodchild

14 James Beal

13 Luke Pollock

12 Arron Pinches

11 Dewi Cross

10 Arwel Robson

9 Tom Habberfield

1 Rhys Barratt

2 Joey Tomlinson

3 Rhys Litterick

4 Callum Bradbury

5 Ethan Phillips

6 Sean Moore

7 Lucas De la Rua

8 Morgan Allen (C)

Replacements:

16 Efan Daniel

17 Cam TylerGrocott

18 Tom Harper

19 Evan Rees

20 Tom Rice

21 Joe Williams

22 Harrison James

23 Matty Young

Words By Harry Tovey

Tries from Pierre Schoeman, Ewan Ashman, Boan Venter and the trusty boot of Dan Healey saw the visitors move to eighth place in the United Rugby Championship table after the Ospreys lost in South Africa.

Rhys Carre was the only Blue and Black to cross over as he played his final game at Cardiff Arms Park.

After continuous pressure on the hosts line, Schoeman powered his way over on the 27-minute mark to break the deadlock.

The hosts on the other hand had a heavy blow later on in the first half as Ellis Jenkins was taken off for a HIA (Head Injury Assessment) which ultimately brought to an end his final appearance at the Cardiff Arms Park.

HT: Cardiff 0-7 Edinburgh

Scotland international Duhan van der Merwe was sent off for ten minutes after a high tackle on Theo Cabango.

With the extra player advantage, loose-head Rhys Carre powered his way over for his eighth of the season as he also said his farewells to the Arms Park.

Heading into the final quarter, the visitors seemingly took control of the encounter and after a driving maul Ewan Ashman crossed over to put his side back in front.

Before the visitors third try of the afternoon, outside-half Healey added an extra three points as replacement Boan Venter’s scored on the 76-minute mark.

Cardiff now travel to South Africa to face the Lions and the Sharks before heading to the Cardiff City Stadium to face the Ospreys on June 1st.

FT: Cardiff 7-24 Edinburgh

Words By Harry Tovey

Swansea’s Ben Crocker (12-0) will make his Top Tier debut as he steps down from Welterweight to Super Lightweight to take on Greece’s Stelios Papadopoulos (15-0-2) at the Brentwood Centre, Essex this Saturday live on Sky Channel 186.

From making his professional debut against Naeem Ali at the Vale Sports Arena, to fighting on the undercard of Joe Cordina’s World title fight against Kenichi Ogawa, to back-to-back fights in his home town of Swansea, this is almost certainly the biggest test for the Welshmen. On the fight he stated: “It’s definitely the hardest fight to date.

“This is definitely the best camp of my life, the best I’ve felt, the best I’ve looked, I got a great team around me, I got my boxing coach Gary Lockett , my nutritionist Pete Bell and my strength coach Dylan Richards.

“I train in Cardiff for my boxing sessions Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays and then the other days I train in my home town of Swansea.

“I try to get anywhere between 9-11 sessions in a week. That’s mixed between boxing, running and strength training.”

Motivation is key in the world of boxing and the Welshmen stated: “I just think about the win and think what could happen after a win, it could push me onto bigger things.

“Also my family and girlfriend are a big help, they’ll make sure I don’t cheat on my diet, don’t miss days training so they are a big part of keeping me focussed.

“I try to think positive about the fight and mentally motivated and I tell myself I’m better than them,” he added.

His opponent for April 27th will be making his second appearance at the Brentwood Centre, he started his professional career over in America before heading back to his home country of Greece where he would put aside Devis Perez to win the World Boxing Union European Welterweight title.

On Papadopoulos and what he anticipates from him, the 29-year-old stated: “His speed and work rate, but if I hurt him early on he will think twice about trying to rush in.”

On the occasion and the nerves, he insisted: “I think it just comes with experience, I had 75 amateur fights so it’s nothing new to me the nerves, I’m always nervous before every fight but I control them well and once the first bell goes the nerves go.”

Quick fire questions with Crocker:

What do you think sets you apart from other boxers in your weight class?

“My size, power and boxing IQ.”

Favourite moment so far as a professional?

“My favourite moment has got to be my debut, walking out to 250 of my own fans chanting my name, something I’ll never forget.”

Biggest inspiration?

“I don’t really have a biggest inspiration, I just want to be really successful so whenever I see anyone who’s made it and successful it pushes me to be like them, but I don’t have one specific person that inspires me.”

What would your final message to Stelios Papadopoulos be?

“Good luck and let’s put on a great fight for everyone.”

Words By Harry Tovey

Press Release 

For immediate release: 18^th April, 2024

Cardiff RFC are delighted to be awarded the final place in Welsh rugby’s new Elite Domestic Competition (EDC).

 The Welsh Rugby Union announced the decision this morning after the Blue and Blacks joined a second phase of the participation application process.

 Cardiff was awarded the licence after a rigorous application process, including a renewed application from Neath RFC.

Cardiff Rugby academy manager Gruff Rees, who oversees the Cardiff RFC program, was pleased with the outcome and is excited to continue developing talent through the club’s second team.

“We are delighted to be accepted into the Elite Domestic Competition and are really excited about being able to continue competing at the highest point of rugby within Wales,” said Rees.

“It was a rigorous process, in which Richard Holland and I put together a comprehensive bid covering rugby development, strategy and the club’s business plans, and I would like to thank everyone at the club who contributed to the process. 

“The EDC underpins the professional game whilst supporting the main purpose and objective of the league in providing high quality development opportunities to all those involved.    

“We have shown how successful Cardiff RFC has been in working closely with our academy in producing players for the senior game and we can now plan accordingly for our next cycle of work.

“We will announce further plans for Cardiff RFC in due course but would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to the other nine successful clubs. 

“Our best wishes also go to Neath, who were unsuccessful in their application. They are a great club and like with Pontypridd and Merthyr, we would welcome any conversations around friendly fixtures,” Gruff insisted.

Twenty-two of the current first team squad have played for Cardiff RFC, while 13 of these players have represented Wales including Alex Mann, Cameron Winnett, Evan Lloyd and Mackenzie Martin who are all recent graduates.

 

Cardiff scored particularly well in areas including their supportive relationship with their professional club (Cardiff Rugby), the role they have played in developing players for both regional and international rugby in the last five years, their rugby plan, the size of the community they serve, and their associated geographical position.

An expert panel, which included two independent members, considered the applications, consisting of Club Business Plans, Rugby Performance Plans, and other vital data.

Applications were evaluated against the following five criteria: Organisational Due Diligence, Rugby Development, Growth Potential, Unique Selling Point and Public Interest.

The ten licenses are granted for an initial three-year term. The new EDC will now sit under the governance of the Professional Rugby Board, boasting a season structure aligned to the professional game, with clubs officially partnered with professional regions.

The news means The Blue and Blacks will join Llandovery, Newport, RGC 1404, Swansea, Ebbw Vale, Carmarthen Quins, Bridgend Ravens, Aberavon and Pontypool in taking part in the 2024/25 EDC season.