Merriman played in all four of Neath’s September victories – over Bridgend and Glamorgan Wanderers at the Gnoll and Llanelli and Maesteg on the road, adding a try against Maesteg. Merriman, who captained Wales U21 to a Grand Slam in 2005 and helped Wales Sevens reach the Cup semi-finals of the London and Edinburgh tournaments last season, joined the Welsh All Blacks from Gloucester Rugby during the off season.
WRU Audio: Listen to an interview with James Merriman about his award
He said, “It’s good to be back in Wales. Rowland Phillips and Jason Forster have been really helpful and it’s great to be playing regular rugby which was one of my main reasons for leaving Gloucester and joining Neath. I’ve enjoyed Premiership rugby so far and if I keep playing well, hopefully an opportunity will open up for me at one of the Regions next season. Wales Sevens really helped too at the end of last season – you play in front of big crowds and it helps hone your skills, particularly when it comes to one-on-one tackling and long-range passing. I would love to be involved with the squad again this season and the Neath coaches are behind that.”
The three times Principality Premiership champions are currently three points above second placed Cardiff at the top of the table and face Ebbw Vale at the Gnoll on Saturday.
Neath Head Coach Rowland Phillips said, “James has played at a high level having come from Gloucester and he is clearly a key member of the Wales Sevens squad. Playing at Neath means he can play regular rugby in Wales which is where he wants to be and he can also give his father a hand on his farm. He was consistently outstanding in the first month of the season for us and his attitude and commitment is excellent. He has certainly been one of the factors in our positive start to the season, but as a team, we have got to improve if we are to stay at the top of the tree and hold onto our title for a fourth consecutive season.”
Merriman was chosen as Player of the Month by a WRU Elite Performance Panel and will receive £100 in a Principality account from the Premiership’s title sponsors.
Helen Mayers, Assistant Manager at Principality in Neath, said, “We are delighted that James Merriman has won the first Principality Player of the Month award of the season. Neath RFC have been our Principality Premiership champions for the last three years and we are closely following their progress to find out if they can claim the title for a fourth consecutive year. We wish Merriman and the team every success for the season.”
James Merriman factfile
DOBLÂ 17/01/1984
Place of Birth: Haverfordwest
Club: Neath RFC
Position:Â Flanker
Nickname:Â Mezza
Player most admired: George Smith
Sportsman most admired: Tiger Woods
Biggest impact on his career: Training with Mike Teague
Occupation: Rugby player
Unusual Fact: I spend my days off helping out my Dad on his Pembrokeshire dairy farm
Statistical Profile
