Principality became the title sponsor of the fledgling competition ahead of the 2005/06 campaign and all involved from the top administrators to coaches and players agree that the league has gone from strength to strength in that time, both on and off the field.
The semi-professional league provides an environment conducive to producing players for the regions and Wales, while retaining the historic identities of the clubs involved.
WRU Group Chief Executive Roger Lewis said, “We are thrilled to be celebrating the start of this tenth season of Principality Premiership rugby. Principality is a brand that shares our confidence and vision for this tier of Welsh rugby and it is a true achievement to be in a position to mark this milestone with a key commercial partner.
“The Principality Premiership is a fantastic competition where almost all of our international players cut their teeth in senior rugby. Standards have clearly risen on the field with teams working hard to narrow the gap between semi-professional and professional rugby and create an environment fit for producing future Wales players.
“Off it too, Principality Premiership clubs, in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union, are constantly driving up standards to make their clubs welcoming and professional match venues for players, coaches, match officials and supporters.”
Principality Group Chief Executive Graeme Yorston added, “We are delighted to be celebrating this ten year milestone of our partnership with the Welsh Rugby Union.
“Ten years ago, we were looking for a sponsorship deal that supported our new, corporate brand, one that shared our pride and passion in Welshness, touched the hearts of people in communities throughout Wales and developed talent. Rugby was, and continues to be our perfect match.
“We are proud to support grassroots sport in Wales, helping players to develop to the professional game. Competition has certainly increased on and off the field, enhancing performance, development opportunities and sustainability. We look forward to this season with great excitement and pride.”
Champions Pontypridd kick off the defence of their title at home to Neath on Saturday. Although the Sardis Road club have won the last four Principality Premiership titles, the Welsh All Blacks are still one ahead with five to their name.
Rowland Phillips, coach of the Neath side that won the first four of those titles before experiencing international rugby with Wales and leaving to coach Aironi and Viadana in Italy, is in a good position to make a judgement on the progress of the Principality Premiership.
“The standard of Principality Premiership has certainly gone up during my time away,” said Phillips.
“The clubs are more accountable now and that’s important because a lot of young players coming through the ranks have big futures ahead of them.
“As Premiership clubs, we now receive good support from the Union terms of player statistics, video analysis, fitness testing and medical guidance. The grounds have improved with the A licence requirements, and the quality of the coaching has got better, with the better teams employing coaches of professional standard. Where the coaching is good, playing standards improve too.
“On the flipside, the sides that enjoy the best support, such as Pontypridd, haven’t lost that important connection with their core supporters either. At Neath, it’s important we go back to our roots in that way in order to reach out to our community and our traditional fan base. The clubs in the Premiership have some of the biggest histories in world rugby, it’s important we retain that.
“The system is certainly working – players are coming through the Premiership ready to play regional and international rugby but there are no short cuts. At Neath certainly, we need to knuckle down and work hard to ensure we improve on last season’s poor league position. It’s going to be a long journey but if everyone is clear about our objectives, I’m sure we can make good strides in the right direction. We need to reconnect with the community clubs in our area to identify good local talent. That is another of Pontypridd’s strengths – their strong links to their local clubs and schools.
“I’m sure it’s going to be another close season with every game working hard to improve. The clubs in the Scarlets region have all made significant improvements, and Pontypridd have certainly set the bar very high with their coaching and playing standards. I can’t wait!”
Pontypridd head coach Paul John said, “With the success we’ve had over the last couple of seasons, teams will again raise their game every week to try to beat us, but that’s a great challenge.
“The Principality Premiership is now a very good standard and it’s getting harder to win it every year – we can’t rest on our laurels.”
John has confirmed he will stay closely involved with Ponty, but coaches Geraint Lewis and Gareth Wyatt will have more responsibility this season with John overseeing matters.
“The coaching and backroom team are basically unchanged and we have retained the vast majority of players too. It’s important we give players who are doing well for our feeder clubs a chance and we will obviously benefit from some Blues academy players too.”
As for the fixtures, John is hoping for a better start than last year. “It’s important we start well to avoid having to play catch up later on, that took its toll on us all last season.
“It doesn’t get much better than Neath at home to kick off the league season. Neath have recruited strongly both on and off the field and will want to put last year’s uncharacteristic blip behind them.
“We have Newport next and they are a strong unit under Sven (Cronk) and Craig (Warlow) and we haven’t beaten them away for a number of years, but it’s a new season and a new challenge.”
Cross Keys and Carmarthen had their best ever league campaigns last season and will be looking to build on that.
It’s a case of unfinished business for Cross Keys head coach Greg Woods.
“It was a disappointing end to last season but that is driving us forward throughout summer. We started exceptionally well last year, and we know we need to target the first four or five games to make sure we’re in with a shout.
“The squad and management are virtually unchanged, we’re just trying to make sure we improve within ourselves to perform better in the bigger games when it matters most.
“Aberavon have recruited well over the summer and they are always difficult down there, then we have a first league Gwent derby to look forward to which is always a lottery in many way. And with Cardiff away, we have three tough opening fixtures, but that’s what it’s all about. We have to target our home games but we need to show that same mentality on the road too.
Steff Thomas, Carmarthen Quins rugby manager said, “After the success of last season, the boys are anxious to get back for what promises to be another cracking rugby season. September looks like a tough month with Newport at home, Bridgend away and then a home derby against Llanelli so we will have to make sure we hit the ground running.”
Newcomers Ebbw Vale are looking to prove a point to themselves as much as anyone else. Head coach Jason Strange said, “We understand the standard is going to be higher in the Premiership but we’re ready for that challenge. We are pleased with the way players have come back after the break. Their fitness testing was the best in the five years I’ve been here, with a few personal bests too.
“Our approach to the season is to concentrate on being the best we can and improving within ourselves.
“It’s great to have a home game to kick things off. We lost to Llandovery by a point in the cup last year so that will be in the back of our mind and I’m sure the supporters will look forward to that game. Then we have Neath away before welcoming Newport to Eugene Cross Park and with the great tradition of Gwent derbies, I’m sure that we will get a big crowd for that one too.”
Principality Premiership Round One fixtures:
Saturday 13 September
Ebbw Vale V Llandovery
Pontypridd V Neath
Carmarthen V Newport
Cardiff V Bridgend
Aberavon V Cross Keys
Sunday 14 September
Bedwas V Llanelli
Click here for full fixture list
