After RGC stormed through Division One East last season to more than prove their worth and claim a place in the Championship division, their first game looks like being a mouth-watering clash with the Steelmen.
RGC played seven successive games away from home at the start of last year but this time around, they have the luxury of kicking-off in Colwyn Bay. It’s a prospect that Moon, RGC 1404 General Manager, is looking forward to.
“We had seven successive weekends of 10 hour round trips on the bus last season. That was tough, but it was also character building,” admitted Moon.
“When we finally had a home game against Rumney, we celebrated with a 37-17 win in front of a crowd of 1,655. With the champions coming to play us on Saturday, we are hoping to beat that record and season ticket and advance sales have been very encouraging.”
RGC may have lost Wales Sevens cap Iolo Evans to Premiership club Carmarthen Quins this season but they will still have Wales Under 20 centre Harri Evans in their side for the new campaign. They warmed up for their Championship opener by beating Swansea and Llanelli in the Welsh National Sevens in Cardiff last month.
“It was a life-changing experience game on game for our players last season. We opened up at Gilfach Goch and that was a real eye opener for us,” said Moon.
“The rugby in Division One East was really tough. We went to some uncompromising places and we had some very physical encounters.
“In the Championship we will face a massive leap in class. We’ll be facing better teams who have better facilities and players who want to use this division as a showcase to get a semi-professional or professional contract.
“It is going to be really difficult but it will be great for our talent development. I don’t think we will storm the league as we did last year and we all know that Ebbw Vale will be a massive yardstick for us.”
Jason Strange’s side will certainly be a huge test for the north Wales outfit. The Steelmen stormed to last year’s title and were unlucky not to go reach the last four of the SWALEC Cup. Moon though is happy with how his side are progressing.
“When I joined last year I set out my stall by saying we wanted to be applying for a Premiership licence within five years,” he said.
“After winning Division One East last year we are ahead of schedule. We came unstuck on a couple of occasion last season but we earned respect along the way. The core of the squad is the same, although our average age is still around 19.
“We are building on the strong foundations that were laid five years ago at Eirias. Our task has been to find the talent to utilise and make the most of the fantastic facilities.”
RGC head coach and former Wales prop Chris Horsman added: “To play the champions is fantastic. The fact that the game is at home is even better. It’s great to be able to re-ignite our support at Eirias with such a plum draw.”
For Ebbw Vale, the new season brings around some exciting prospects, the Steelmen knowing that if they can retain their title, promotion to the Principality Premiership is a realistic possibility.
Jason Strange, head coach at Eugene Cross Park, said: “We are really excited at the prospect of the new season. We don’t know much about RGC having played in different leagues last season but we know they’ve got some good coaches and they did well to win Division One.
“We focus on ourselves as much as possible and on getting our own game right. We are lucky in that we have a young side, but one that has been together for the last two or three seasons now so there is a lot of continuity.”
They may be defending champions but it’s a tough start to the season for Strange’s men.
“After RGC away from home, we have Bargoed at Eugene Cross Park so that will be one to look forward to as well,” he added.
“We have improved each season since being relegated from the Premiership, winning our league each time and without taking anything for granted, we will be looking to do that again. We have improved things off the pitch too and I’m sure standards will go up again in this Championship season.”
In the other fixtures to take place, last year’s runners up Bargoed have a home tie with Newbridge while Pontypool visit Beddau and Narbeth travel east to play Bonymaen.
Cardiff Metropolitan play Llanharan, there’s a meeting between Bridgend Athletic and Blackwood while Tata Steel host Tondu.
Opening round of SWALEC Championship fixtures: (All kick-offs 2.30pm)
Bargoed v Newbridge
Beddau v Pontypool
Bonymaen v Narberth
Bridgend Athletic v Blackwood
Llanharan v Cardiff Met
RGC 1404 v Ebbw Vale
Tata Steel v Tondu RFC
