Ystrad Rhondda turn their attention to the WRU Premiership Cup this weekend as we make the short trip to The Wern to face Merthyr RFC in the opening round of the competition. The fixture is confirmed as one of the Premiership Cup first-round ties taking place this weekend.

The boys head into the cup on the back of an excellent result in the Admiral Premiership last Saturday, running out 49–14 winners away at Bonymaen.

That performance provides plenty of momentum, but another significant challenge awaits against a Merthyr side who enter the season as the reigning Admiral Premiership champions.

Team News

Ystrad have named a 23-man squad for Saturday’s trip to The Wern, with Liam Wiggins captaining the side from hooker.

Leon Moore starts at loosehead, with Matthew Jeczalek completing the front row.

Cole Parry and Mason Roderick combine in the second row, while Mackenzie Williams, Jayden King and Sion Edwards make up the back row.

At half-back, Keian Richards starts at scrum-half alongside Lewis Williams at fly-half.

Charlie Stoddard starts on one wing, with Calen Edwards on the other. Seb Ripley and Tom Roberts form the midfield partnership, while Kurtis Williams completes the back three at full-back.

The Finishers are Corben Evans, Ethan Treharne Ennis, Callum Dawe, Iwan Williams, Ollie Dowler, Callum Phillips, Jacob Symes and Rhys Dendle.

From Premiership to Cup

Last weekend’s trip to Bonymaen saw Ystrad produce an impressive away performance, with the 49–14 victory providing the ideal platform heading into another demanding fixture on the road.

There are changes to the side this weekend as the squad prepares for cup rugby, but there is plenty of continuity throughout the matchday 23.

There is also plenty of experience among the Finishers, giving Ystrad options across the forwards and backs as the game develops.

A Tough Test at The Wern

Saturday represents a different challenge as league points are put to one side and attention turns to the Premiership Cup.

Merthyr's recent pedigree speaks for itself. The Ironmen are the reigning Admiral Premiership champions, while they also reached last season’s Premiership Cup final, where they were beaten by Neath.

For Ystrad, it is an opportunity to test ourselves against strong opposition and carry the confidence and momentum from last weekend into the cup competition.

Away at The Wern, the squad will know that accuracy, discipline and intensity will be required from the opening whistle.

Cup Rugby

After an excellent win on the road last weekend, it is straight into another big away challenge.

Merthyr. The Wern. Premiership Cup.

The boys will be ready for it.

As always, travelling support will be hugely appreciated as Ystrad make the short journey to Merthyr.

Come on Ystrad!