Reigning Super Rygbi Cymru champions Llandovery have been given another tricky start to the defence of their title with a trip to Pontypool Park on Saturday 12 September for what will be the first of the season’s televised matches on S4C.
Two years ago, head coach Euros Evans took his side, then champions of the Indigo Premiership, to Pontypool for their first game in the new SRC. That was also televised and the season opener will be one of four appearances on S4C by the champions through to the first weekend in January 2027.
The SRC broadcast partners will be showing games on various days, from Thursday nights through to Sunday afternoons. Classic clashes from the first 15 rounds have been selected with the conclusion of the season to be confirmed early next year.
Llandovery’s season opener at Pontypool Park in 2024 also took place on 12 September and the Drovers had to come from behind twice in the second half before winning 21-18. The game ended two tries apiece, but three penalties from Jack Maynard made all the difference for the visitors, who trailed 15-12 and then 18-15 before Maynard’s boot won them the game
“Pontypool were unlucky last season in that they lost a number of close games that could have gone either way. We beat them 26-24 at Church Bank in the regular league season and then 40-24 at Pontypool Park,” said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.
“They could easily have beaten us when they came to Llandovery and they went mighty close to toppling Carmarthen Quins in the play-offs.
They have recruited well this summer and it is going to be a really tough start for us in front of the TV cameras.”
The game also pitches Evans and his side against Tom Hancock, who used to coach at Llandovery before switching to the Dragons and Pontypool.
“Tom has done a great job in changing the style of play at Pontypool and they carry a threat all over the field these days,” said Evans.
“The fact he has been able to lure Evan Lloyd from Ebbw Vale to join the club shows that Pontypool are ready to evolve even further. Evan was pivotal to Ebbw’s success over the first two seasons of SRC rugby and is the biggest signing of the summer for any club.
“They’ve also been able to attract former Wales U20 centre Connor Edwards from the English Championship, and flanker Ben Williams from the Scarlets. It should be a great contest for us.”