It will be a fourth successive away trip for the Gogs, who took the title for the first time last season when they beat Pontypridd at the Principality Stadium 15-11. They had previously beat Merthyr in the semi-final at Sardis Road, 26-20, and Bridgend 31-20 in the quarter-finals.
The draw for the WRU National Cups was made this week and both of last season’s Cup finalists, RGC 1404 and Pontypridd, have been drawn away from home in the first round. Pontypridd, coached by Justin Burnell for the first time this season, head to Cross Keys.
There are byes for the 2016 champions Llandovery and runners-up Carmarthen Quins, while WRU National Championship clubs Bedlinog and Beddau will also sit out the opening round. Championship new boys Trebanos have an away trip to Bargoed, while Rhydyfelin host Newbridge.
WRU National Cup 2017/18
Round 1 (matches to be played on the weekend of 6 January, 2018)
Aberavon v Skewen
Bargoed v Trebanos
Cardiff Met v Llanelli
Cross Keys v Pontypridd
Ebbw Vale v RGC1404
Glynneath v Bridgend
Narberth v Bedwas
Neath v Cardiff
Newcastle Emlyn v Merthyr
Pontypool v Tata Steel
Rhydyfelin v Newbridge
Swansea v Newport
Byes: Llandovery, Carmarthen Quins, Bedlinog, Beddau
