THE RUCKED FILES – No.14
Neath RFC
Who are you?
Neath Rugby club is the oldest rugby club in Wales, formed in 1871 and nicknamed the Welsh All Blacks. In the last five seasons alone we have won the cup once and the league for the past three seasons. Currently we are flying high at the top of the Principality premiership, 20 points clear hoping to clinch the league for the fourth year running.
Why should we care about you?
Historically we have produced some rugby greats: Rees Stephens, Roy John, Courtenay Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Thomas, Dai Morris, Elgan Rees, Paul Thorburn, Jonathan Davies, Allan Bateman, Gareth Llewellyn and, of course, record Welsh tryscorer Shane Williams. Our aim now is to develop the stars of tomorrow, something we have done most recently with boy wonder James Hook who pulled on the Welsh jersey when he was still a Neath player. Off the field, we offer a variety of business packages to suit large or small companies from player sponsorship to ground advertising – our clubhouse facilities are also perfect for seminars, conferences or even weddings.
But what makes you different from the rest?
We play the most attractive exciting brand of rugby which is why we have won the league for the last three seasons. We are the best-supported side in the Premiership (no matter what Ponty say!)
Often our loyal supporters even outnumber home support in away games and their vocal backing gees up our squad and intimated opposition!
Off the field we run as a professional outfit, community work is very important to us, we go into local primary schools on a daily basis and we have a strong profile in the business sector of West Glamorgan.
What was your finest moment?
World record for points scored and tries scored in a season – 1989 (1,917 points)
And your worst?
In recent years being knocked out of the Konica Minolta by Aberavon in 2005/06!
Any famous players (past or present)?
Historically we have produced some rugby greats, Rees Stephens, Roy John, Courtenay Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Thomas, Dai Morris, Elgan Rees, Paul Thorburn, Jonathan Davies, Allan Bateman, Gareth Llewellyn,Rowland Phillips record welsh try scorer Shane Williams, Duncan Jones, Adam Jones, Ian Evans, James Hook.
Any current players who are a bit special?
Our captain Lee Beach does a superb job in motivating his boys and oozes natural talent. James Merriman is a former Wales under 21s captain and current Wales sevens’ squad member who has an eye for a gap and has scored some wonderful tries this season. Euros Evans is Neath’s hardman built in the same mould of the late Brian Williams, the west walian doesn’t take any messing and puts his body on the line week in week out. Arwel Thomas is always someone who can instill a little magic into a game – his match-winning performance at Pontypridd last season is a fine example.
Describe your club in three words?
Ambitious. Competitive. Successful.
What are you after?
We want to continue to be the most successful club on paper in Wales.
Vocal support is always something that can be increased so if you want to come along to the Gnoll on a Saturday and watch free flowing, exciting running rugby visit our website for forthcoming games! If you’re a business wanting to get involved with the excitement of sports sponsorship, or fancy rewarding staff & clients with corporate hospitality get in touch!
If we want to find out more?
Visit or contact Rachel Gardiner, marketing & pr co-ordinator at r.gardiner@neathrugby.co.uk www.neathrugby.co.uk
Want to be in the Rucked Files? Email us at nowlistenhere@rucked.com
