Ystrad Rhondda begin their 2026/27 Admiral Premiership campaign on the road this weekend as they travel to Bargoed, with new faces, opportunities for pathway players and renewed optimism across the club.

After a stop-start pre-season, attention now turns firmly to competitive rugby as Ystrad get their Welsh Premiership campaign underway.

A promising opening pre-season fixture against Pontypool was followed by two cancelled fixtures, limiting Ystrad's opportunities for match preparation. However, Head Coach Dylan Jones has been encouraged by the work taking place behind the scenes and the attitude shown throughout the squad.

Saturday will also see five players make their competitive Ystrad Rhondda debuts, while pathway graduate Kian Symes is set to make his first Premiership appearance.

Team News

Ystrad have named a 23-man squad for the opening league fixture of the season, with Jayden King, Mackenzie Williams, Seb Ripley, Thomas Roberts and Charlie Stoddard all set to make their competitive debuts for the club following their arrival during the summer.

Leon Moore starts at loosehead, with co-captain Liam Wiggins at hooker and Callum Dawe completing the front row.

James Owen and Mason Roderick combine in the second row, while Sion Edwards is joined by new signings Jayden King and Mackenzie Williams in the back row.

At half-back, Keian Richards starts at scrum-half alongside Jacob Symes at fly-half.

Seb Ripley and Thomas Roberts, both making their competitive Ystrad Rhondda debuts, line up in the midfield, with Cavan Davies and Calen Edwards on the wings and fellow debutant Charlie Stoddard at full-back.

The finishers are Dylan Phillips, Matthew Jeczalek, Nathan English, Iwan Williams, Caeron Davies, Callum Phillips, Kian Symes and Rhys Dendle.

New Faces and Another Pathway Graduate

Saturday's season opener provides an early opportunity for some of the new faces within Dylan Jones' squad.

Jayden King, Mackenzie Williams, Seb Ripley, Thomas Roberts and Charlie Stoddard will all make their competitive Ystrad Rhondda debuts, having impressed since joining the club during the summer.

There could also be a particularly proud moment for the club from the bench, with Kian Symes in line to make his Admiral Premiership debut.

Kian is a product of the Ystrad Rhondda pathway system, having progressed through the club's age-grade setup and into the senior squad.

Should he enter the action at Bargoed, Kian will make his league debut alongside his brother Jacob in the matchday squad, with Jacob starting the season at fly-half.

It will be a proud moment for the Symes brothers and another example of the club's pathway bearing fruit, as another home-grown player makes the step into senior Premiership rugby.

Dylan Jones: “This pre-season was about putting the foundations back in place”

Reflecting on preparations for the new campaign, Head Coach Dylan Jones said:

“It’s fair to say, like lots of other clubs, we’ve had a stop-start pre-season. After a promising first outing against Pontypool, two fixture cancellations led to an element of frustration.

“Despite the setbacks, I can’t fault the attitude of the players and I’ve been pleased with the work the boys have put in – led by our new co-captains and leadership groups.

“We’ve seen a number of new players join this season and all of them, to a man, have been superb so far. As coaches we’re excited to see these boys in action over the season, including many of our youth team graduates.”

Jones also believes rebuilding the connection within the playing group has been an important part of the summer.

“Team bonding sessions have also got off to a good start, with Cavan Davies and Corben Evans leading the initiations.

“This pre-season was about putting the foundations back in place. These were key components that got us to this position in the first place – hard work, commitment, friendships and enjoyment.

“Rediscovering that connection has given us all a boost. We’ll need that connection in what’s no doubt going to be another challenging season in the Welsh Premiership, starting with Bargoed away.”

Progress Off the Field

It has also been a busy summer at Gelligaled Park, with improvements taking place around the ground ahead of the new campaign.

A long-awaited spectator path has now been installed around the field with the support of RCT Council, while work has also begun on a new sponsors' cabin.

Jones added:

“Another thing that’s been great to see this summer is the ground development taking place. For years we’ve waited for a spectator path around the field and, thanks to RCT Council, we’ve got one. The ground looks transformed.

“Work has begun on a new sponsors' cabin which we hope will be ready early in the season. Exciting times ahead and it shows we’re still striving to progress.”

A Message to Sponsors, Volunteers and Supporters

Ahead of the opening fixture, Jones was also keen to recognise those whose work away from the pitch allows the club to continue competing at this level.

“I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of our sponsors and volunteers, from the Mini & Juniors to the seniors, who keep the club’s wheels ticking.

“To our supporters, your support home and away is our 16th man. We’ll continue to do our best to give you a team to be proud of.”

A New Season Begins

Saturday marks the beginning of another Admiral Premiership campaign for Ystrad Rhondda.

There are new additions ready to make their mark, established players returning for another campaign and another generation beginning to progress from the club's pathway into senior Premiership rugby.

For Jayden King, Mackenzie Williams, Seb Ripley, Thomas Roberty and Charlie Stoddard, Bargoed represents the beginning of their competitive Ystrad Rhondda journey.

For Kian Symes, it could mark the latest step from the club's pathway into Premiership rugby – with the added significance of sharing the matchday squad with his brother Jacob.

And for the squad as a whole, it is the first opportunity to put the foundations built during the summer into action.

The first challenge comes away at Bargoed.

COTY