And so, it begins! The new Welsh rugby season kicks-off this weekend with no fewer than 123 games being played in a staggered start across the 30 community leagues from Premiership down to Division 6.
But the honour of kicking the first ball in anger this season will go to the players in the Dewar Shield 16 tournament that gets underway tonight.
The WSC U18 schools and colleges league then starts next week, as will the women’s league programme.
“Welsh rugby starts at the clubs and builds from there. There are countless volunteers and match officials that keep the game going and as well as thousands of senior players getting their first run out on Saturday, there will be even more youngsters flooding the pitches on Sunday as the mini and junior sections return to action. Without their endeavours we wouldn’t have a game, so it’s a big thanks to them for all their efforts” said WRU community director Geraint John.
“The appetite for rugby across Wales remains as strong as ever and we have already received more than 40,000 player registrations across the age ranges from young to old.
“For once the main topic of conversation at clubs from as far and wide as Amman United and Nant Conwy to Narberth and Gwernyfed will be about players, points and league tables.
“September is always the time of year when Welsh rugby gets back to doing what it does best – playing games across the country, renewing rivalries, and making communities feel proud of their teams.
“Almost every player who plays for the Wales national men’s and women’s teams started at a community club and the contribution they make to the national sport cannot be underestimated.”
While the boys playing in the 120-year-old Dewar Shield competition will all be dreaming of pushing for academy places and age-grade honours, you can bet that the main talking point at The Gnoll on Saturday afternoon, or probably all week, will have centred around whether or not Neath’s recruitment will enable them to match the champions Merthyr.
What better game could there have been to kick off the WRU Premiership than the Ironmen heading to the home of the Welsh All Blacks.
It will be a similar case in north Wales, where Nant Conwy will be hoping to kick-off the defence of their title Division 1 North crown at home against COBRA. Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Llandudno will all be attempting to chase down the champions and a solid start is what is required.
Back down south, newly promoted St Joseph’s won’t have far to travel to take on St Peter’s in an all-Cardiff battle in the Championship East, while Aberystwyth’s debut in Championship West will kick-off with a home clash with Newcastle Emlyn.
It is a similar story in Division 5 East, where the game between Bargoed Athletic and Blackwood Stars promises to be a humdinger.
“The simple fact is that without match officials there is no game and everyone involved should be grateful that they give up their time so freely to keep the players active. They also deserve respect and understanding both on and off the field from players, coaches, and supporters alike.
“But the good news is that we have more teams competing in both men’s and women’s National Leagues in the new season – 299 teams in the men’s competition compared to 278 in 2023-24.
“Last season we saw more games played across the men’s National League and Cup competitions – 2,963 to 2,922 in 2023-24 – and there was a 50% decrease in men’s Teams withdrawing from the National League.
“In the women’s game, 179 fixtures were played in National Women’s League and Cup compared to 161 in 23-24. There were also for more teams participating in Boys U18 Leagues & National Cup, up to 120, and 84% of Girls U18 and U16 Teams competed in National Cup Competitions.”
Last season saw the earliest finish to the National League programmes in 10 years and John is hoping the clubs can stay on course for another timely finish this campaign.
“The key thing above all else is for everyone involved in our game to enjoy what they do. That’s from marking the pitches, cooking the meals, serving behind the bars, coaching the teams, carrying the magic sponge, to supporting from the sidelines and scoring the winning try,” said John, before adding, “there is a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes as well as on the pitch and every one deserve our thanks for their efforts.
“There is so much that is so good within our game, we sometimes fail to see it. From this weekend onwards, and for the next eight months, rugby will be part of the staple diet of Welsh life.”