Steve Law knows exactly what it takes to win the Welsh Premiership title, although he steered Cardiff to the title when it was the top tier of the club game in Wales.
These days the Super Rygbi Cymru holds that accolade with the 13-strong Premiership being the next rung down on the playing ladder. Not there is too much difference between the top end of the Prem and the SRC.
Law, these days director of rugby at Bridgefield, has seen that at first hand in his build up to the opening of the new season this weekend with Bedwas, the side he guided so impressively to a league (Championship East) and cup (Championship Cup) double last season, having played Newport and Bridgend in their pre-season.
“Last season was great for the club winning the double, but the coaches and players don’t feel any weight of expectation as a result of those achievements. There is a mood of cautious optimism,” said Law.
“We haven’t set any goals other than we set high standards in training. We track all our training errors and then look to raise our standards.
“We have 80% of last year’s squad available but will be going into the opening game against Beddau with a few problems in the front five. We have three second rows injured at present, loose head prop Harry Dobbs has retired. and we’ve had to call up Brinley Toms out of retirement to fill the No 1 jersey.
“All coaches will tell you what they are lacking, but in the end it’s all about getting the most out of what you’ve got. We’ve tried to keep our plan very simple, and we will look to play whenever we get the chance.”
Bedwas and Beddau were in the same league two years ago until Beddau won the Championship East title. They made a huge impact in their first season in the Premiership by finishing as runners-up to Merthyr.
They will travel in Round 1 with a whiff of revenge in mind having lost on their last visit. That was in the Championship East in December 2024 when they were beaten 28-13 – their only defeat in their march to the title that season.
They won the return on their own patch 32-20 to ensure Bedwas couldn’t pip them to promotion. Now they meet again, both clubs having faced Bridgend and Newport in pre-season.
“We’ve welcomed new faces into the environment while also seeing established players drive standards and lead from the front. There is a genuine sense of competition for places developing, and that can only be a positive as we approach the season,” said Beddau head coach Lee Davies.
“Pre-season is about more than just fitness, it’s about building habits, creating strong connections within the group and establishing the standards we want to be known for throughout the year.
“We want a team that works hard for one another, represents Beddau with pride and continually looks for ways to improve. The foundations are being laid, and the challenge now is to maintain our momentum, keep progressing.”
Champions Merthyr have a bye in the first week, while Premiership Cup holders Neath host Llanelli Wanderers at The Gnoll. Ben Williams, man of the match in the cup final last season, will lead the side and be hoping to build on the 61-17 win in their third and final pre-season game against a Fijian side.
The Wanderers, formed in 1951, are celebrating their 75th anniversary season and will be led by Lewys Thomas with Nick Gale as head coach.
Pontypridd are moving into their 150th season open their account at Newbridge this weekend. They will have a very famous name in their pack once again. Among their summer signings is Logan McIntosh, son of ‘The Chief’ – Dale McIntosh – who has joined from Brecon.
He came through the junior ranks at Sardis Road and played one game for the senior side in the Premiership against RGC back in 20232. Now the 24-year-old back row man is back for more, along with former Pontypool hooker Aneurin James.
Newly promoted Bonymaen head further west to Narberth following their return to the Premiership following relegation two seasons ago. Wales Deaf international Joe Yeates will once again lead the side from the second row and former Malta head coach Keith Hopkins has taken over as head coach.
As well as winning the Championship West title last season, Bony also captured the Silver Ball for the first time.
Bargoed welcome Ystrad Rhondda and Llangennech host Cross Keys in the other fixtures in Round 1.