Neath have missed two Saturdays against Bedwas and Cross Keys while Pontypridd have fared even worse as their Christmas game against Bridgend as well as games against Cardiff and Ebbw Vale fell foul of the frosts.
Neath include their two new signings Luke Ford and Jonny Thomas in their squad with centre Jonathan Spratt hoping to make his first start of the season after two aborted attempts.
Kristian Phillips and Matthew Jarvis are also named despite having spent the week in Leeds with the Wales Under-20’s but hooker Ashleigh James has a hamstring pull and is out of action.
Outside-half Howard Thomas is back in training after suffering a shoulder dislocation in pre-season training in August and should return next month and, with several players now fit again, Neath have arranged an extra fixture against Cwmllynfell at The Gnoll on Saturday, February 7th.
Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips, said: “All teams have been frustrated by the frosts and both Neath and Pontypridd will be eager to get back into action. We have been relatively lucky as we have put in some intensive work at different locations and local gyms. On the plus side, the break has allowed us to get over one or two niggles and we now have added depth. Our aim is to keep improving.”
“The visit of Pontypridd is a tremendous prospect to come back to as Neath-Pontypridd games are usually full-blooded occasions and, with no regional rugby in Wales, there should be a good crowd and the usual special atmosphere at The Gnoll.
“We have massive respect for Pontypridd rugby because they are a passionate club after our own heart and I know that Paul John and Dale McIntosh will have them firing after their enforced rest.”
Neath v Pontypridd From – G.King, M.Nuthall, D.Evans, K.Phillips, L.Powell, G.James, K.James, L.Ford, W.Mitchell, J.Spratt, M.Jarvis, A.Thomas, M.James, K.Farrell, T.Knoyle; J.Thomas, A.Howell, N.Downs, C.Mitchell, G.Price, A.Littlehales, E.Evans, N.Edwards, H.Pugh, C.Ruddock, L.Evans, J.Merriman, G.Gravell, L.Beach (captain)
