Home might be where the heart is for RGC 1404 after they posted four wins in a row at Parc Eirias in Super Rygbi Cymru but not they are set to be tested on the road in the run up to Christmas.
The first of four successive away trips begins at the Talbot Athletic Ground today when they face an Aberavon side that hasn’t won since 21 September. They then head to Cardiff, Llandovery and Bridgend before getting a few days off over the festive period.
“We knew these four away games were coming up and the boys are excited about spending some good time together on the bus taking us up to Christmas. It starts with Aberavon, and we look forward to getting on the road again,” said RGC head coach Josh Leach.
The Wizards have had a tough season to date and with only one win in six games will be hoping for better fortunes as the second block of league fixtures runs through to 4 January 2025.
The cold weather stopped both Cardiff and Pontypool resuming their campaigns last weekend, but they will be the hors d’oeuvre to the URC Welsh derby at the Arms Park between Cardiff Rugby and the Dragons. They kick off at 2.00pm.
Dan Fish’s side are still top of the table by two points from Ebbw Vale and have another home game to look forward to next weekend when RGC are the visitors to the Welsh capital. Then they face a trip to Eugene Cross Park to meet The Steelmen in one of the biggest games to date in SRC.
“We were disappointed that the weather got the better of us last week. We’ve prepared for a hugely physical game against Pontypool – we know what’s coming,” said Fish.
“We’ve worked hard over the last couple of weeks to get ready to play again and all the players are itching to get back into action. Let’s hope they get the chance to express themselves in the way they want to.”
The game could see a return to the Arms Park for former Cardiff skipper Morgan Allen, who has become an instant hit at Pontypool since joining in the summer. He and fellow back row man Scott Matthews provide the experience and go forward their side needs while younger players around them learn their trade.
“We’ve saw plenty of entertaining, competitive fixtures with lots of positive rugby in the first block of SRC games,” said Pontypool head coach Tom Hancock.
“We’ve fully bought into one of the main concepts of the league with it being the breeding ground for young players from academies, youth teams, and WSC U18 Rugby. It’s also hugely important that the young boys get to play alongside the experienced and hardened older heads to compete with and learn from.
“To see Ryan Jones, a local lad from Pontypool who is in the Dragons academy, run onto the field at the same time as Scott Matthews, a leading player at this level for a decade, really illustrates this point.
“Both had a big impact on the game scoring a try apiece and Ryan will only benefit from being part of our environment and playing alongside the likes of Scotty, Morgan and Mikey Herbert.
“Super Rygbi Cymru is definitely the league that allows us to that. We also want boys to make Wales U20 squads and make senior Dragons’ appearances – that’s a huge part of what success looks like for us.”
While Wales international Mackenzie Martin will be turning out in the back row for Cardiff against Pooler, another capped player, Dragons full back Cai Evans, will be getting much needed game time in SRC when Newport welcome Carmarthen Quins.
Swansea host Ebbw Vale and Llandovery entertain Bridgend at Church Bank in the other fixtures.
