After a week of build-up, anticipation is high for what has quickly become a much-looked-forward-to festive fixture. Although the two sides have only shared a league stage since last season, last year’s Christmas encounter at Sardis Road proved to be a memorable occasion, played in front of a large crowd and a superb atmosphere.

Ystrad will be backed by strong travelling support once again, with supporters gathering at the club before travelling together on the 1:22pm train — the now-familiar Ystrad Express — for what promises to be a proper community day out.

Team News

There are several changes to the starting XV this week as Ystrad look to freshen things up for the derby.

Kelly Jones is named at number eight, with Jacob Symes starting at fly-half.
Keian Richards starts at scrum-half, and Cavan Davies comes in on the wing.
Up front, Corben Evans starts at hooker, with Mason Roderick and Cole Parry continuing their partnership in the second row.

Captain Jarrad Llewellyn once again leads the side from openside flanker.

Team Overview

Forwards

The front row of Tom Stacey, Corben Evans and Nathan English will be tasked with standing up to a strong Pontypridd set piece at Sardis Road.
Behind them, Mason Roderick and Cole Parry provide power and work rate in the engine room.
The back row sees Kian Carter and captain Jarrad Llewellyn joined by Kelly Jones at number eight, offering a balance of physicality, breakdown presence and carrying ability.

Backs

At half-back, Keian Richards partners Jacob Symes, with the pair looking to manage territory and game tempo in what is always a demanding away environment.

In midfield, Cole Morgan and Logan Hutchings continue their partnership, providing direct running and defensive organisation.

Out wide, Cavan Davies and Kurtis Williams offer pace and work rate, while Alex Webber starts at full back, bringing experience and counter-attacking threat.

Finishers

Ystrad’s bench provides a good mix of forward reinforcement and impact.
Liam Wiggins, Leon Moore and David Webb offer cover across the front row, while Callum Davies and Carwyn Owen provide options in the back five of the scrum.
In the backs, Callum Phillips, Ryan Evans and Josh Williams give Ystrad versatility for the closing stages.

The Opposition

Pontypridd remain one of the most established clubs in Welsh rugby, and games at Sardis Road are always a stern test. With strong home support expected and the added edge of a festive derby, Ystrad know they will need a disciplined and committed performance across the full 80 minutes.

Final Thoughts

With the festive period well underway and momentum building from a strong week of build-up, Ystrad Rhondda head to Sardis Road focused on putting in a solid, competitive performance in front of a big crowd.

Last season’s Christmas fixture showed how special this occasion can be, and with strong travelling support once again expected, Saturday promises to be another memorable afternoon of Premiership rugby.