Team news & supporter info: Neath vs Llanelli Wanderers WRU Cup semi at Dunvant RFC

Key Points

• Neath RFC face Llanelli Wanderers in the WRU Cup semi-final at Dunvant RFC on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, with kick-off at 2.00pm.
• Neath secured a 32-21 league victory over bottom club Brecon last Saturday but faced a high penalty count, prompting skipper Ben Williams and his team to avoid repeats against Llanelli Wanderers’ ace-kicker Nick Gale.
• Llanelli Wanderers demonstrated form with a 20-7 win over Ystrad Rhondda last week and previously won the Championship Cup at the Principality Stadium last year.
• Team changes for Neath include the return of hooker Sion Jones and lock Josh Hughes to the starting XV, with lock Jacob Blackmore on the bench.
• Neath starting XV: 15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Morgan Meaclem, 13 Sean Wilcox, 12 Josh Male, 11 Jon Bayliss; 10 Paul Short, 9 Connor Tantum; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Sion Jones, 3 Marley Lovell; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Josh Hughes; 6 Steff Lewis, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett.
• Neath replacements: 16 Kian Jones, 17 Josh Jones, 18 Chris Thomas, 19 Jacob Blackmore, 20 Will Pope, 21 Kaden Davies, 22 Llewellyn Hawkes, 23 Casey Williams.
• Referee: Mr. Rhys Jones (Pencoed).
• Admission prices: £10 adults, £5 children and O.A.P.s; Dunvant RFC requests spectators bring correct money.
• Car parking: Limited spaces at £5 per car.
• Neath RFC forthcoming fixtures: Saturday, January 31 vs Llangennech (Home, 2.30pm); Saturday, February 7 vs Narberth (Home, 1.00pm).

Dunvant (Cardiff Daily) January 23, 2026 – Neath RFC prepare to confront Llanelli Wanderers in a crucial WRU Cup semi-final at Dunvant RFC on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 2.00pm. As reported by Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News, the match pits two competitive sides against each other, following Neath’s recent league triumph over Brecon and Llanelli Wanderers’ solid performances. Skipper Ben Williams has emphasised the need for discipline to counter the visitors’ kicking prowess.

What Recent Form Shapes This WRU Cup Semi-Final?

Neath enter the contest on the back of a hard-fought 32-21 victory against bottom-placed Brecon in their last league outing last Saturday. However, the match saw a high penalty count against them, a factor that skipper Ben Williams and his team-mates acknowledge must not recur. As detailed by Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News, “Last Saturday Neath beat bottom club Brecon 32-21 in the league but there was a high penalty count against them and skipper Ben Williams and his team know that there can be no repeat.”

Llanelli Wanderers, meanwhile, showcased their capabilities with a convincing 20-7 win over Ystrad Rhondda last week. Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News further notes that the Wanderers are “a good all-round side who won the Championship Cup at the Principality Stadium last year.” This pedigree underscores the challenge ahead for Neath, who must elevate their game to secure progression.

Who Are the Key Players in Neath’s Line-Up?

Changes to Neath’s starting XV this week bring fresh impetus, with hooker Sion Jones and lock Josh Hughes returning to the fray. Lock Jacob Blackmore bolsters a robust bench. The full Neath team, as published by Colin Chapman in Neath Rugby News, reads as follows:

Neath v Llanelli Wanderers
15 Iestyn Morgan; 14 Morgan Meaclem, 13 Sean Wilcox, 12 Josh Male, 11 Jon Bayliss; 10 Paul Short, 9 Connor Tantum; 1 Mason Morgan, 2 Sion Jones, 3 Marley Lovell; 4 Matthew Davies, 5 Josh Hughes; 6 Steff Lewis, 8 Ben Williams (captain), 7 Gethin Tremlett.

Replacements – 16 Kian Jones, 17 Josh Jones, 18 Chris Thomas, 19 Jacob Blackmore, 20 Will Pope, 21 Kaden Davies, 22 Llewellyn Hawkes, 23 Casey Williams.

Ben Williams captains the side from the number 8 position, leading a pack featuring experienced forwards like Gethin Tremlett at flanker and Steff Lewis at number 6. In the backs, Iestyn Morgan starts at full-back, supported by wingers Morgan Meaclem and Jon Bayliss, centres Sean Wilcox and Josh Male, with Paul Short at fly-half and Connor Tantum at scrum-half. Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News highlights these selections as pivotal to Neath’s strategy.

What Threat Does Llanelli Wanderers Pose?

Llanelli Wanderers boast a prolific ace-kicker in Nick Gale, who will exploit any lapses in discipline. As reported by Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News, “Wanderers have an ace-kicker in the prolific Nick Gale who will surely punish them.” Their recent 20-7 triumph over Ystrad Rhondda illustrates a balanced team capable of controlling games through multifaceted play. Furthermore, their Championship Cup success at the Principality Stadium last year adds to their credentials, signalling that Neath face “a battle on their hands and need to lift their performance,” per Colin Chapman’s analysis in Neath Rugby News.

Who Officiates the Match?

Mr. Rhys Jones from Pencoed will referee the semi-final. This appointment, confirmed by Colin Chapman in Neath Rugby News, ensures experienced oversight for what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.

What Are the Supporter Arrangements?

Admission stands at £10 for adults, with concessions at £5 for children and O.A.P.s. Dunvant RFC has specifically requested that spectators bring the correct money to streamline entry. Car parking remains limited, priced at £5 per vehicle. These details, vital for fans planning attendance, are outlined by Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News under the admission section.

When Are Neath’s Next Fixtures?

Neath RFC’s schedule continues apace post-semi-final. On Saturday, January 31, they host Llangennech at home with a 2.30pm kick-off. This is followed by a home match against Narberth on Saturday, February 7, starting at 1.00pm. As listed by Colin Chapman in Neath Rugby News, these fixtures:

Saturday January 31 Llangennech Home 2.30pm
Saturday February 7 Narberth Home 1.00pm

provide Neath supporters with further opportunities to back the team in the coming weeks.

Why Does Discipline Matter Most?

The narrative from recent games underscores discipline as Neath’s cornerstone. The high penalty tally against Brecon exposed vulnerabilities that Nick Gale’s kicking accuracy could exploit ruthlessly. Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News captures skipper Ben Williams’ mindset: “skipper Ben Williams and his team know that there can be no repeat.” Neath’s coaching staff and players alike recognise that maintaining composure will be decisive against a well-drilled Llanelli Wanderers outfit.

How Does Venue Choice Impact the Game?

Dunvant RFC serves as the neutral venue for this semi-final, potentially levelling the playing field. Its facilities, including limited parking, necessitate early arrival for supporters. The 2.00pm kick-off aligns with weekend schedules, maximising attendance under winter conditions typical for January in Wales.

In summary of the build-up, as chronicled exhaustively by Colin Chapman of Neath Rugby News on January 22, 2026, this WRU Cup semi-final encapsulates Welsh rugby’s competitive spirit. Neath’s blend of returning players and home fixtures positions them ambitiously, yet Llanelli Wanderers’ form demands peak execution. Fans are urged to heed admission and parking guidance for seamless support.