Cardiff RFC begin their Super Rygbi Cymru Cup campaign away to Llandovery
Dan Fish’s men travel to Church Bank on Saturday afternoon where they play their first of four matches in the SRC Cup against the Drovers (KO: 2:30).
This Cup competition has been introduced to take place during the Guinness Six Nations. There is going to be four rounds and a final. There will be two pools of five clubs, each playing two home and two away fixtures. The winners of each group will go head-to-head in the Cup Final.
The Blue and Blacks were drawn in Pool A alongside, Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (RGC), Aberavon, Bridgend Ravens and Llandovery where we get our Cup action underway. We then host RGC a week later before travelling to the Dunraven Brewery Field to face Scott Baldwin’s Bridgend. Before concluding the Pool stage at home against Aberavon on March 1st.
Cardiff come into the opening Pool game on the back of wins over Newport (36-30) and Swansea (32-22). Whereas Saturday’s hosts come into the encounter having played last weekend against Pontypool where they won 38-27 at Church Bank.
Team News:
- Marc Thomas
- Gavin Parry
- Christian Brooke
- Ethan Phillips
- Sean Moore (C)
- Craig Hudd
- Nathan Hudd
- Aled Ward
- Joe Williams
- Fraser Jones
- Fin Hart
- Jason Harries
- Joe Goodchild
- Edmund Anya
- Kodie Stone
Replacements:
- Charlie Manship
- Jared Williams
- Callum Donaghue-Proud
- Evan Rees
- Will Jameson
- Lloyd Lucas
- Ioan Penry
- Ollie Das
Pre-Match Thoughts:
Speaking ahead of the game after being recently appointed into the Cardiff RFC coaching setup, Rory Thornton said: “Really enjoying it with (Cardiff) RFC currently, it will be the highest level of coaching l’ve done to date so looking forward to the challenge.
“Even though l’ve only been in the role for the last couple of weeks it’s been an easy transition in as forwards coach. It helps having not just a good group of players but players who are good blokes.
“It gives me a good opportunity to have a taste of this level of coaching in the SRC and hopefully challenge me as a coach. I’m also looking to complete my level 3 coaching, which will open up opportunities coaching wise in the future.
“To be honest how easy the boys have adapted to the change. It’s a big change during the season for a new coach to come in and the forwards have adapted brilliantly.
“Obviously it’s going to be an intense and physical game. We know what threats they have. But it’s our focus as coaches to bring our Cardiff RFC game to them,” Thornton concluded.
Also speaking ahead of the encounter head coach, Dan Fish said: “Excited to see the young boys have an opportunity in the cup.
“Few boys unavailable, opens up chances for other players. Excited to see them play with the experienced boys around them to help and guide them through.
“Excited for the cup competition as it gives the young boys an opportunity and crack at men’s rugby.”
Remember the last meeting at Church Bank?
The last time the Blue and Blacks travelled West to Llandovery was back in May where they concluded their 2023/2024 season at a very sunny Church Bank. Tries from Ioan Hughes, Kian Abraham and a brace from Macs Page saw the Drovers make it to their second consecutive final as they put aside the Blue and Blacks 34-13.
At the time captain, Morgan Allen crossed just after the half hour mark to score the only try of the encounter as Arwel Robson kept it 100% from the kicking tee.
Opposition Form:
The Drovers began their campaign in Super Rygbi Cymru, winning just one of their opening four matches. Those defeats came to RGC 1404 (28-23) and back-to-back defeats to Ebbw Vale (38-29, 31-28). However, since that 31-28 loss to the Steelmen, Euros Evans’ men have gone unbeaten and now sit in pole position in the SRC on 55 points. They have recorded wins over Newport, Swansea, Aberavon, Bridgend Ravens, RGC and have done the league double over Pontypool and Carmarthen Quins.
For those unable to make the trip to Church Bank on Saturday afternoon you can stay up to date with live updates on our social media channels (X, Facebook, Instagram).