Neath braced for season kick-off : Newsroom | Welsh Rugby Union | Official Website Neath braced for season kick-off 7 July 2010 23:59 By Neath celebrate winning last year's Principality Premiership title. Principality Premiership champions Neath kick-off the defence of their title with a home clash against Glamorgan Wanderers at The Gnoll on Saturday, 28 August. Pat Horgan's side were comfortable winers 48-17 in the corresponding fixture last season, running in eight tries, but know not to take the Wanderers lightly having been beaten 33-24 at the Memorial Ground. While outside half Arwel Thomas has finally hung up his boots, and former Wales full back Kevin Morgan has taken up a full-time role as Ospreys conditioning coach, Nathan Bonner-Evans has joined the club from London Welsh. Former Wales Under 21 full back and Wales Sevens squad member Aaron Bramwell has been recruited from Pontypridd along with young Ospreys prop Ross Davies, Aberavon's Chris Morgan and former Glamorgan Wanderers outside half James Thomas has joined from Coventry.

Premiership newcomers Tonmawr, who won the Swalec Division 1 West title last season, will launch their debut season in the top flight with an attractive home fixture with Aberavon. So dominant were the side coached by Jason Hyatt last season that Tonmawr won their division by a clear margin of 29 points and suffered only two defeats. Among the new recruits are former Neath duo Kevin James and Wayner Mitchell, utility-back Kiba Richards from National League Division 2 South club Ealing and four ex-Ebbw Vale players, utility-back Andrew Williams, flanker Andy Llewellyn, lock Jonathan Griffiths and prop Matt Jeffries and Ystrad Rhondda flanker Howard Stoddart, brother of Scarlets full back Morgan. Veteran lock Matthew Veater, who has won the Premiership crown with both Newport and Cardiff, has joined Pontypool and the Torfaen club will be hoping to build on their end of season form earlier in the year when they staved off the threat of relegation. They open their season with a home clash with Bedwas, a game in which new back row recruit Luke Dyckoff could face his former team mates.

Pontypool have lost goalkicker Sam Mills to relegated Ebbw Vale, while Bedwas have lost this season's Wales Under 20 captain Dan Watchurst to Newport and gained former Wales Under 20 prop Scott Roberts from Coventry. A storming second half of the season left Llandovery comfortably placed in eighth place and earned them a crack at the Play-Offs where they gained a British and Irish Cup place. They will be looking to continue that form when they host Swansea on opening day. The All Whites did the double over the Drovers last term, so it will take a mighty effort for the Church Bank side to open with a victory. Lyndon Lewis will be head coach and Euros Evans has come in as forwards coach. Newport start with an attractive game against Llanelli at Rodney Parade and, with both last season's meetings being closely contested affairs, another tight game is anticipated. Amongst the Black and Ambers' new faces are Gareth Chapman from Cardiff and Watchurst from Bedwas.

Scarlets academy members George North, Rhodri Jones and Kirby Myhill will be turning out for Llanelli this season, along with new recruits Owen Williams (Ystradgynlais), Liam Williams (Waunarlwydd) and former England Under 20 back row Matt Gilbert who joins from Italian outfit Rugby Alghero. Cross Keys will head to Sardis Road to face a Pontypridd side that led the Premiership for a chunk of last season. Ponty also did the double over their visitors and will be confident of making a winning start, even though Keys have brought in a number of new players. Cardiff entertain a Carmarthen Quins outfit that found life difficult in the top flight last term before a solid finish to the season left them in a comfortable ninth place with a SWALEC Cup final appearance to boot. Cardiff did the double over them and have recruited Scott Sneddon and Wales Under 20 full back Dan Fish from Glamorgan Wanderers, along with Richard Hodges who will take over the coaching reins.

Quins have enlisted the help of former Scarlets speedster Darren Daniel and front rowers Ian Jones (Llanelli) and former Scarlets academy hooker Dan George from London Welsh, although they have lost lost Tristan Davies to Ebbw Vale and Ioan Cunningham to Bridgend. Principality Premiership Fixtures 2010/11 Cross Keys v Glam. Wdrs. Newport v Pontypridd (non B & I Cup clubs) Bedwas v Pontypool (non B & I Cup clubs) Cross Keys v Bedwas (non B & I Cup clubs) Cardiff v Glam. Wdrs. Glam. Wdrs. v Cross Keys Cardiff v Tonmawr Wales Women in fine-tuning mode 10 Jan 17 Head coach Rowland Phillips and key front rower Carys Phillips look ahead to games against Spain and Ireland as Wales Women ramp up their preparations for the forthcoming Six Nations. The two warm-up games are a 'massive opportunity to refine the squad' according to the Welsh camp.

Match Highlights: Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys 10 Jan 17 Defending Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale left it late, very late, to earn the final spot up for grabs to make the coveted Top Teir for phase two of this season's chammpionship. Phillips on Welsh Rugby strategy 09 Jan 17 Martyn Phillips has discussed details of the newly published 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby' which puts in black and white terms the plans and direction of the governing body of the national sport in Wales for the next decade. Phillips urges fans to get behind Wales 06 Jan 17 WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips has urged Welsh rugby fans to follow in the footsteps of their soccer counterparts at last summer's Euro Championship by backing their team to the hilt in the upcoming RBS 6 Nations campaign. Phillips aims to make Wales breeding ground for national and elite club coaches 05 Jan 17 Chief executive Martyn Phillips has highlighted the plans for Wales to become a breeding ground for national and elite club rugby coaches, which are contained in the WRU's 10-year 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby'.

McBryde excited by challenge of summer tour 23 Dec 16 Robin McBryde discusses Wales' summer tour to the Pacific Islands, plus the recruitment of three regional coaches to his team. Keeping it in the family 13 Dec 16 Andrew Coombs is enjoying his new role as Nelson forwards coach. The former Dragons and Wales lock has big ambitions to become a professional coach but feels it's important to learn the ropes in grassroots rugby and where better than his home club Nelson, with friends and family close to hand. Power of rugby 09 Dec 16 Students at Brynllywarch Hall School, near Newtown, have transformed their own lives, and are now having a positive impact on others through rugby. The sport has had a life-changing effect on the well-being of the students who are now delivering rugby sessions to local primary schools and playing for a new mixed ability side Dubai delight for Wales Sevens 08 Dec 16 Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.

WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament Diolch: Marc Roberts 06 Dec 16 Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top. Principality Premiership focus: Carmarthen Quins 05 Dec 16 Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride. Hallam Amos thanks John Bevan 29 Nov 16 When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Wales v SA reaction: George North 26 Nov 16 Winger George North gives his reaction after Wales finished the Under Armour Series with a convincing win against South Africa to finish November with three wins. WRU TV: Captain's run ahead of Springbok clash 26 Nov 16 Hear from Wales Assistant Coach (Forwards) Robin McBryde as he speaks to the media at Wales' captain's run ahead of the clash with South Africa Williams names co-captains for Wales Sevens 25 Nov 16 Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend. Principality Premiership focus: Bedwas 24 Nov 16 Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Diolch Mr Mason 24 Nov 16 Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies. Howley reveals selection to take on South Africa 24 Nov 16 Wales head coach Rob Howley discusses his team selection for Saturday's clash against South Africa which sees Dan Lydiate coming in as the only change to the starting XV that played against the Pumas. Disability rugby making its mark 23 Nov 16 The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities.

Club & Community | Welsh Rugby Union | Official Website : Neath upset the form book Neath upset the form book 7 April 2014 14:13pm Rory Budina scores for Bedwas against Neath. Ian Lovell Two first half tries paved the way for Neath to record a shock 19-24 victory over Bedwas in the Principality Premiership on Saturday. However the game ended in controversy as uncontested scrums were called with Bedwas camped on the Neath line. Neath's fly half James Thomas opened the scoring after six minutes with a penalty before three Richard Powell penalties after 10, 20 and 23 minutes put Bedwas in charge. A well worked try by Neath lock Leon Ward reduced the deficit after 29 minutes and five minutes later Thomas added a second penalty. Neath stretched their lead after 37 minutes after winning quick ball from a line out scrum half where Tom James darted through a huge gap in the Bedwas defence to cross for a try, James Thomas converting. Richard Powell had the last say of the half with half with a penalty to reduce arrears to six points.

The second half took a while to get going before Thomas extended Neath's lead with a penalty. Bedwas rung the changes after 58 minutes and immediately reduced the arrears with a great finish by Rory Budina, Powell converting. Thomas added a fourth penalty after Bedwas replacement No 8 Dan Crimmins was sin binned for a ruck infringement. Bedwas fought hard to get back into the game and with the clock running down won a five metre scrum. Neath replacement prop Roy Jones was taken off with an injury and with no replacement front row players on the bench passive scrums were called. Neath won the scrum and booted the ball into touch to claim the win to howls of derision from the Bedwas faithful. Elsewhere in the Premiership Llandovery were held to a 10-10 draw by Aberavon to record their third stalemate of the campaign. In their last home league game of the season the Drovers were fortunate to salvage a draw after the Wizards' equalising try came in the fourth minute of stoppage time through full back Richard Carter. A minute later Carter missed a long range penalty to win the game.

Cross Keys' hopes of a play-off spot suffered a setback when visitors Carmarthen Quins triumphed 3-7 in a low scoring affair at Pandy Park. Dorian Jones opened the scoring for the home side before Quins centre Rhys Williams scored the only try of the match in the 61st minute. Craig Evans added the conversion and the Quins had to withstand a late challenge before confirming their second place in the league. Despite putting up another spirited display, Swansea were pipped at the post 13-14 by Bridgend while Cardiff succumbed 24-31 to Llanelli. Principality Premiership results Cross Keys 3 - 7 Carmarthen Llandovery 10 - 10 Aberavon Ospreys wheelchair team replace swimming hippos! 13 Jan 17 How do you follow a dancing hippopotamus - the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team has just the 'oneness' to do it say the BBC! For a decade the sight of a herd of hippos synchronised swimming around their own private blue lagoon, has lit up our television screens at regular intervals between favourite BBC One shows.

But now the nation's most watched channel has relinquished its famous amphibious mammals in favour of a new show-reel which includes the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team. Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast 02 12 Jan 17 Treorchy's award-winning secretary Bryan James, Ebbw Vale's Nigel Davies and all four regions on the Principality Welsh Rugby Union Podcast. We look ahead fo Europe with Rob Evans of the Scarlets, Dan Baker of the Ospreys, Ellis Jenkins of the Blues, as well as Nic Cudd and Tom Prydie of the Dragons. Match Highlights: Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys 10 Jan 17 Defending Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale left it late, very late, to earn the final spot up for grabs to make the coveted Top Teir for phase two of this season's chammpionship. Phillips on Welsh Rugby strategy 09 Jan 17 Martyn Phillips has discussed details of the newly published 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby' which puts in black and white terms the plans and direction of the governing body of the national sport in Wales for the next decade.

Davies 'relieved' to make Premiership cut-off 09 Jan 17 Nigel Davies is a relieved man after seeing his side secure the last spot for phase two of this season's Principality Premiership with a hard fought victory against Gwent rivals, Cross Keys at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday. AUDIO: Pick and go podcast 06 Jan 17 With Ebbw Vale and Cardiff battling for the last top tier spot available in this weekend's crucial round of the Principality Premiership, WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie is joined by South Wales Argus rugby writer Chris Kirwan to preview tomorrow's round of action while GTFM Radio's Ioan Dyer interviews Pontypridd coach Robert Sidoli. Phillips aims to make Wales breeding ground for national and elite club coaches 05 Jan 17 Chief executive Martyn Phillips has highlighted the plans for Wales to become a breeding ground for national and elite club rugby coaches, which are contained in the WRU's 10-year 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby'.

Sidoli praises pacey Ponty 03 Jan 17 Pontypridd coach Robert Sidoli singles out the pace of his side as a major contributing factor in his team's 31-22 win against Cross Keys at Sardis Road in a thrilling Principality Premiership encounter on New Year's Eve, as GTFM's Ioan Dyer discovers. Geraint John: Vacant spot up for grabs 31 Dec 16 Having watched Ebbw Vale get out of jail against Cardiff, WRU Head of Rugby Performance Geraint John tells WRU TV's Liz Jones he is now looking forward to next week's final round of phase one of the Principality Premiership where just one place remains vacant for a top eight spot. Davies reflects on narrow loss 26 Dec 16 Ebbw Vale head coach Nigel Davies reflects on his side's 23-22 defeat to Bedwas in the Principality Premiership. And as WRU TV's Liz Jones finds out, he is making Saturday's clash against Cardiff a must win otherwise a top eight spot seems out of reach.

AUDIO: Pick and Go podcast 23 Dec 16 It's crunch time in the Principality Premiership as teams chase a top eight spot. WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie chats to WRU Head of Performance Geraint John about the festive fixtures while Cross Keys head coach Greg Woods looks ahead to the Boxing Day clash against arch rivals, Newport. Keeping it in the family 13 Dec 16 Andrew Coombs is enjoying his new role as Nelson forwards coach. The former Dragons and Wales lock has big ambitions to become a professional coach but feels it's important to learn the ropes in grassroots rugby and where better than his home club Nelson, with friends and family close to hand. Power of rugby 09 Dec 16 Students at Brynllywarch Hall School, near Newtown, have transformed their own lives, and are now having a positive impact on others through rugby.

The sport has had a life-changing effect on the well-being of the students who are now delivering rugby sessions to local primary schools and playing for a new mixed ability side Diolch: Marc Roberts 06 Dec 16 Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top. Principality Premiership focus: Carmarthen Quins 05 Dec 16 Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride. Principality Premiership focus: Bedwas 24 Nov 16 Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Disability rugby making its mark 23 Nov 16 The second WRU disability rugby pilot has been delivered, this time in Caerphilly schools, culminating in a festival at the Caerphilly Centre of Sporting Excellence, Ystrad Mynach tomorrow. Plans are in place to set up a Disability Rugby Club in Newbridge to provide long-term playing opportunities. The secret to community success 21 Nov 16 Clwb Rygbi Nant Conwy is a rural club thriving on and off the pitch. WRU TV's Liz Jones finds out what makes it such a special place at the heart of its community in the upper Conwy Valley. Breaking down barriers 11 Nov 16 Girls in North Wales have two great rugby role models in WRU Regional Coordinator Rachel Taylor and Rhyl High School Hub Officer Ale Lewis, both helping to increase opportunities for women and girls in Welsh rugby. Game Changers appointed 19 Jan 17 Three individuals have been appointed to radically increase and improve rugby opportunities across the grassroots end of the game for women and girls.

Roland Mercer Ryan and Drewett join Welsh Rugby 18 Jan 17 The Welsh Rugby Union has made two new high level appointments to boost its performance department and coach development provision. Roland Mercer Fosters Challenge Cup preview 18 Jan 17 The Foster's Challenge Cup heads into its final round of pool matches this evening with a number of semi-final spots still up for grabs. WRU Hyatt: Best yet to come from the Wizards 17 Jan 17 Aberavon head coach Jason Hyatt is confident his side have what it takes to step up another level ready for the Principality Premiership Tier One when the league kicks off again at the start of next month. Liz Jones National Plate and Bowl preview 13 Jan 17 There are quarter-final places up for grabs in both the WRU National Plate and National Bowl competitions this weekend as the race to play on Finals Day at the Principality Stadium heats up. WRU Foster's Challenge Cup Round-Up 12 Jan 17 There is still all to play for in the final round of pool matches in the Foster's Challenge Cup next week with only Merthyr guaranteed one of the four semi-final spots.

Roland Mercer Stay Onside 11 Jan 17 Following a four year suspension to Kurt Clabby of Bedwas and Nelson for evading, refusing or failing to submit a sample collection, announced today, the Welsh Rugby Union has reiterated its call for players to 'Stay Onside'. Roland Mercer Foster's Cup action hots up 10 Jan 17 Foster's Challenge Cup action returns on Wednesday as competition for places in the tournament's latter stages hots up. WRU Neath upset the form book : Newsroom | Welsh Rugby Union | Official Website Neath upset the form book 7 April 2014 14:10 Rory Budina scores for Bedwas against Neath. Ian Lovell Two first half tries paved the way for Neath to record a shock 19-24 victory over Bedwas in the Principality Premiership on Saturday. However the game ended in controversy as uncontested scrums were called with Bedwas camped on the Neath line. Neath's fly half James Thomas opened the scoring after six minutes with a penalty before three Richard Powell penalties after 10, 20 and 23 minutes put Bedwas in charge.

A well worked try by Neath lock Leon Ward reduced the deficit after 29 minutes and five minutes later Thomas added a second penalty. Neath stretched their lead after 37 minutes after winning quick ball from a line out scrum half where Tom James darted through a huge gap in the Bedwas defence to cross for a try, James Thomas converting. Richard Powell had the last say of the half with half with a penalty to reduce arrears to six points. The second half took a while to get going before Thomas extended Neath's lead with a penalty. Bedwas rung the changes after 58 minutes and immediately reduced the arrears with a great finish by Rory Budina, Powell converting. Thomas added a fourth penalty after Bedwas replacement No 8 Dan Crimmins was sin binned for a ruck infringement. Bedwas fought hard to get back into the game and with the clock running down won a five metre scrum. Neath replacement prop Roy Jones was taken off with an injury and with no replacement front row players on the bench passive scrums were called. Neath won the scrum and booted the ball into touch to claim the win to howls of derision from the Bedwas faithful.

Elsewhere in the Premiership Llandovery were held to a 10-10 draw by Aberavon to record their third stalemate of the campaign. In their last home league game of the season the Drovers were fortunate to salvage a draw after the Wizards' equalising try came in the fourth minute of stoppage time through full back Richard Carter. A minute later Carter missed a long range penalty to win the game. Cross Keys' hopes of a play-off spot suffered a setback when visitors Carmarthen Quins triumphed 3-7 in a low scoring affair at Pandy Park. Dorian Jones opened the scoring for the home side before Quins centre Rhys Williams scored the only try of the match in the 61st minute. Craig Evans added the conversion and the Quins had to withstand a late challenge before confirming their second place in the league. Despite putting up another spirited display, Swansea were pipped at the post 13-14 by Bridgend while Cardiff succumbed 24-31 to Llanelli.

Principality Premiership results Cross Keys 3 - 7 Carmarthen Llandovery 10 - 10 Aberavon Howley excited at squad selection 17 Jan 17 Wales head coach Rob Howley describes his excitement about the squad selected for the 2017 RBS 6 Nations Ospreys wheelchair team replace swimming hippos! 13 Jan 17 How do you follow a dancing hippopotamus - the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team has just the 'oneness' to do it say the BBC! For a decade the sight of a herd of hippos synchronised swimming around their own private blue lagoon, has lit up our television screens at regular intervals between favourite BBC One shows. But now the nation's most watched channel has relinquished its famous amphibious mammals in favour of a new show-reel which includes the Ospreys wheelchair rugby team. Wales Women in fine-tuning mode 10 Jan 17 Head coach Rowland Phillips and key front rower Carys Phillips look ahead to games against Spain and Ireland as Wales Women ramp up their preparations for the forthcoming Six Nations. The two warm-up games are a 'massive opportunity to refine the squad' according to the Welsh camp.

Match Highlights: Ebbw Vale v Cross Keys 10 Jan 17 Defending Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale left it late, very late, to earn the final spot up for grabs to make the coveted Top Teir for phase two of this season's chammpionship. Phillips on Welsh Rugby strategy 09 Jan 17 Martyn Phillips has discussed details of the newly published 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby' which puts in black and white terms the plans and direction of the governing body of the national sport in Wales for the next decade. Phillips urges fans to get behind Wales 06 Jan 17 WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips has urged Welsh rugby fans to follow in the footsteps of their soccer counterparts at last summer's Euro Championship by backing their team to the hilt in the upcoming RBS 6 Nations campaign. Phillips aims to make Wales breeding ground for national and elite club coaches 05 Jan 17 Chief executive Martyn Phillips has highlighted the plans for Wales to become a breeding ground for national and elite club rugby coaches, which are contained in the WRU's 10-year 'Strategy for Welsh Rugby'.

McBryde excited by challenge of summer tour 23 Dec 16 Robin McBryde discusses Wales' summer tour to the Pacific Islands, plus the recruitment of three regional coaches to his team. Keeping it in the family 13 Dec 16 Andrew Coombs is enjoying his new role as Nelson forwards coach. The former Dragons and Wales lock has big ambitions to become a professional coach but feels it's important to learn the ropes in grassroots rugby and where better than his home club Nelson, with friends and family close to hand. Power of rugby 09 Dec 16 Students at Brynllywarch Hall School, near Newtown, have transformed their own lives, and are now having a positive impact on others through rugby. The sport has had a life-changing effect on the well-being of the students who are now delivering rugby sessions to local primary schools and playing for a new mixed ability side Dubai delight for Wales Sevens 08 Dec 16 Wales reached their first semi-final since 2013 in the opening round of this season's HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai.

WRU TV's Graeme Gillespie recaps on what proved to be an eventful tournament Diolch: Marc Roberts 06 Dec 16 Wales and Ospreys back row James King, who came through the North Wales age grade system, nominated North Wales Regional Community Rugby Manager Marc Roberts, in the WRU's 'Diolch' initiative where squad players thanked those who played a part in their rise to the top. Principality Premiership focus: Carmarthen Quins 05 Dec 16 Beating Merthyr has boosted Carmarthen Quins hopes of reaching a top eight spot in the Principality Premiership. Quins captain Haydn Pugh is delighted with his team's progress and is determined that everyone from the Under 6s through to the senior team, enjoys the ride. Hallam Amos thanks John Bevan 29 Nov 16 When the Wales squad were asked to nominate individuals who played a big part in their early playing days, Wales and Dragons full back and wing Hallam Amos thought of his former Monmouth School rugby coach John Bevan.

Wales v SA reaction: George North 26 Nov 16 Winger George North gives his reaction after Wales finished the Under Armour Series with a convincing win against South Africa to finish November with three wins. WRU TV: Captain's run ahead of Springbok clash 26 Nov 16 Hear from Wales Assistant Coach (Forwards) Robin McBryde as he speaks to the media at Wales' captain's run ahead of the clash with South Africa Williams names co-captains for Wales Sevens 25 Nov 16 Sam Cross and Luke Treharne have been named as co-captains of the Wales Sevens side as head coach Gareth Williams names his 12-man squad to play in the first leg of the HSBC World Series in Dubai next weekend. Principality Premiership focus: Bedwas 24 Nov 16 Bedwas head coach Steve Law and players Nicky Griffiths and Alun Rees extol the virtues of the close knit club as they prepare to host third place RGC 1404 - who are one place head of them on the Principality Premiership points table - on Saturday.

Diolch Mr Mason 24 Nov 16 Many of the Wales squad have said Diolch (thank you) to someone who played an important part in their early playing days by nominating them to be invited to the Wales v South Africa match. One person, Gowerton Comprehensive geography teacher Mr Dean Mason was nominated by two of his former pupils, Dan Biggar and Sam Davies. This is what's become of Welsh rugby's biggest clubs in the 13 years since the game went regional - Wales Online This is what's become of Welsh rugby's biggest clubs in the 13 years since the game went regional What of the clubs that fought out the final full-fledged professional Welsh Premiership back in 2003? Share Get rugby updates directly to your inbox + Subscribe Thank you for subscribing! Could not subscribe, try again laterInvalid Email The expanded 16-club Principality Welsh Premiership could be welcoming two of rugby’s golden great clubs back to the land of the giants.

Swansea have already grabbed one of the four promotion places from the Swalec Championship and will be joining Merthyr in rubbing shoulders with he likes of Pontypridd, Cardiff, Newport and arch west Wales rivals Neath and Llanelli next season. And they could be joined by Pontypool, who have spent four seasons in the second-tier Championship after their highly contentious relegation from the Premiership in 2012 that went all the way up to the High Court . Read more: The promotion and relegation issues in Welsh rugby's top divisions Pooler need to beat Bargoed in the Rhymney Valley on Saturday to secure promotion while defeat would leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by RGC 1404 for the final promotion place. For Pooler, promotion back to the Premiership would be a welcome fillip for those at the club as four seasons ago they faced being wound up after being left with having to pay the WRU’s £160,000 legal bill for their failed High Court case.

The club’s executive chairman Peter Jeffreys saved them from the brink ploughing £100,000 into their survival fund and has remained at the club ever since to see arguably their greatest day in recent history should Pooler win at Bargoed Park. Also read: Wales and Lions legend, who's played at Eden Park, with eyes firmly on showdown at Bargoed Park this weekend The Welsh Premiership has had numerous overhauls since the game went regional in 2003 with the likes of Tonmawr, Glamorgan Wanderers and Maesteg all having their time in the limelight before sliding down the league structure – and in Tonmawr’s case all the way down to Division Three West Central B where they sit today. But what of the clubs that fought out the final full-fledged professional Welsh Premiership back in 2003 when former Wales skipper Gareth Thomas lifted the trophy at Bridgend. We take a look at how they fared after the advent of regional rugby in Wales...

BRIDGEND Gareth Thomas, the Bridgend club captain celebrates after winning the championship after the Welsh Premiership match between Bridgend and Neath on May 20, 2003, at The Brewery Field (Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images) It’s been a time of feast and famine for the Ravens since the Celtic Warriors region folded with third place in the Welsh Premiership secured in 2005 with Bridgend going one better a season later. But then financial problems struck and the Ravens went into partnership with Bridgend Town FC to take 50% ownership of the club. A series of disastrous results in the 2008-09 season saw them relegated out of the top flight for the first time in their history and it needed winning a play-off with Glamorgan Wanderers after lifting the Division One West title to return them to the promised land. Bridgend had their struggles this season but a mid-season run has seen them finish 10th in the 12-club division.

(Photo: Randell John Photography) PONTYPRIDD The demise of the Celtic Warriors didn’t really hit the Valley Commandos hard as games were moved away from Sardis Road to the Brewery Field, Bridgend, before the region was controversially dissolved. After seeing Neath dominate the late noughties, Ponty came into their own Premiership right in 2011 winning the title but losing the Premiership play-off final to third-placed Llanelli. They met Llanelli again the following season but exacted revenge at Sardis Road though 2013 was arguably the most successful in the club’s history with a Welsh Premiership and Cup double as well as winning the play-off final, again against Llanelli. They repeated the trophy treble the following year with Cross Keys their opponents this time in the play-off final, though Bridgend prevented them lifting the Welsh Cup in 2015 while a play-off final win over Ebbw Vale meant business as usual in the Premiership.

Dafydd Lockyer and Simon Humberstone of Pontypridd lift the trophy (Photo: Huw Evans Picture Agency) NEATH Having picked up a cabinet load of silverware in the late 80s and early 90s, the Welsh All Blacks were back as forces on the club scene with the advent of regional rugby. It was if the formation of the then Neath-Swansea Ospreys didn’t take place as the Gnoll outfit won four successive Premiership titles from 2005 and after a break in 2009 did so again in 2010. They also won three Welsh Cups in that period. Neath secure a third league title in successive years in 2007 (Photo: Darren Griffiths/©Huw Evans Agency Ltd.) It hasn’t exactly been a bed or roses since as the local council sought a winding up order against the club in 2014 for unpaid rent and debts said to be totalling £60,000 and their off-pitch plight mirrored results on it. This season they finished bottom of the Premiership with just one win to their name.

SWANSEA Finishing second in 2010 was their highlight and four years later there was the hammer blow of relegation as they finished bottom of the table, just a point behind arch rivals Neath and Aberavon. Despite beating Neath at St Helens, a bonus point for Aberavon cooked their goose and sent the All Whites into the Championship. It was a far cry from the 90s when they lifted three Premiership titles and did so again in 2001, but relegation signalled a revamp of the club with Stephen Hughes taking the position of chairman, popular ex-prop Keith Colclough as managing director and Richard Lancaster leading a coaching team of former players including Rhodri Jones, Christian Loader and Ben Lewis. In their first season Swansea missed out on promotion back to the Premiership, finishing in second place overall, but have sealed the deal this time around. Swansea RFC seal promotion with dramatic victory against RGC 1404: Video Loading Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8Cancel Play now CAERPHILLY Probably the biggest victims of the advent of regional rugby as the Cheesemen found themselves excluded from the set-up.

It was months after the club were beaten by Castres in the Parker Pen Shield final at the Madejski Stadium and led to the club accusing the WRU of “bully boy tactics” over a claim for compensation for their exclusion from the regional set-up. Caerphilly's Mark Workman lays ball down for Allen Chilten in the Parker Pen Shield Final (Photo: Huw Evans Agency Ltd) They also instigated legal-proceedings against the Union, but on the pitch it started a decline of the club even though in 2004 they reached the Welsh Cup final losing to Neath. In 2006 in a reduction from 17 to 16 clubs, it was decided three sides would be relegated which saw Caerphilly, Llanharan and Newbridge slide through the trap-door to Division One. Those heady European cup final days were never to come back and Caerphilly are languishing down in Division Three East A alongside the likes of New Tredegar, Blackwood Stars and RTB Ebbw Vale.

CARDIFF More than anything for Cardiff since the advent of regionalism back in 2003, success for the Blue & Blacks has been providing the nurturing ground for Welsh stars Jamie Roberts and Leigh Halfpenny. They are the big name graduates from the Cardiff club side to the Blues regional team before going on to seek fame and fortune in France. Jamie Roberts winning the Premiership player of the month for Cardiff RFC in April 2007 For Cardiff though it has been very much mid-table mediocrity for much of the Welsh Premiership years, except for second spot in 2008 and in 2009 when they lifted the title in a hard fought fight with arch rivals Newport. They won it by three points in the end. Next season marks more changes at the Arms Park when the Blues region will take over the running of the Cardiff club side. NEWPORT The 2003-04 season for the Black & Ambers was about as good as it was going to get as they lifted the title that season losing just two of their 30 games that term to have a massive 12-point cushion over second-placed Neath.

The Welsh All Blacks were to turn the table on the Black & Ambers the following season. From then on it has been craning their necks watching Neath and then Pontypridd snaffle the silverware though in 2015 Newport had a season to forget winning just five of their 22 games to finish bottom of the table though they were spared relegation when Championship title winners Bargoed failed to meet the required A licence standard to replace them. Arwel Robson of the current Black and Ambers side EBBW VALE It’s fair to say Ebbw have never really hit the heights of the Mike Ruddock-coached pre-regional era when a trip to Eugene Cross Park was not for the faint-hearted. Ebbw Vale's Mike Ruddock (Photo: DAVID HURST) They did finish second to Pontypridd last season, in their first campaign back in the Welsh Premiership after winning the Championship crown. They had been relegated to the second tier of the Welsh club game in 2010 just three years after finishing two points behind Neath in the race to the title.

Wes Cunliffe of Ebbw Vale is tackled by Elliot Frewen of Newport (Photo: Huw Evans Agency) LLANELLI The Parc y Scarlets club side have found their route to Premiership silverware constantly blocked by Pontypridd except for the 2011 season when they finished third in the table but beat Pontypridd 24-18 in the play-off final. But the Valley Commandos held sway in the 2012 and 13 finals against the men from west Wales and like the Cardiff club side, Llanelli can feel proud of their production line to the Scarlets regional set-up with Wales No.15 Liam Williams one of their proudest boasts. Liam Williams (Photo: ANDREW DAVIES) Like us on Facebook

Question: Welsh rugby clubs Swansea and Neath joined to form which club?
Answer: Ospreys