Ystrad Rhondda RFC return to Gelligaled Park this weekend for their final fixture of the 2025/26 season, as they welcome Neath RFC in the Admiral Premiership.

With the season drawing to a close, it promises to be a meaningful afternoon for the club, with key milestones, a debut, and a chance to finish the campaign strongly on home soil.

Team News

Ystrad Rhondda have named their side for the final game of the season, with a strong blend of experience and youth across the squad.

In the front row, Tom Stacey, Corben Evans and Leon Moore pack down, providing a solid platform up front.

The second row pairing sees Josh Skinner line up alongside Cole Parry, offering physicality and work rate in the engine room.

In the back row, Sion Edwards, Ethan Fackrell and Ben Williams complete the pack, bringing energy and balance across the loose forwards.

At half-back, Keian Richards starts at scrum-half, linking play with Jacob Symes at fly-half, who will look to control territory and tempo.

In midfield, Logan Hutchings partners McCauley Rowley, combining power and distribution in the centres.

The back three sees Cavan Davies and Kurtis Williams on the wings, with Alex Webber at full-back in what will be his final appearance for the club.

Among the finishers, Ystrad name Dylan Phillips, Nathan English, David Webb, Caeron Davies and Jack Rees as forward cover.

In the backs, Callum Phillips, Lewis Williams and Rhys Dendle provide cover across the backline, with Dendle set to make his senior debut, stepping up from the youth ranks and continuing the club’s pathway into senior rugby.

If you want, I can slot that straight back into the full article for you ?

There is also a proud moment for the club as Rhys Dendle is set to make his senior debut, stepping up from the youth ranks and continuing the club’s strong pathway into senior rugby.

A Final Appearance

Today marks the final appearance of Alex Webber, bringing an end to an outstanding playing career.

Since breaking into the senior side at just 18, Alex has lit up many a rugby field, bringing huge enjoyment to teammates and supporters alike. Many will remember his Wales 7s appearances at the Commonwealth Games and 7s World Cup, initially while playing Division One rugby with Ystrad Rhondda.

He went on to have a fantastic career with Pontypridd and later Merthyr, before returning home in 2022 as player-coach — a key moment for the club as it stepped into the Welsh Premiership.

Alex loves Ystrad, and while this marks his final appearance, it is unlikely to be a farewell. The door will always remain open.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Alex for his commitment over the years and for wearing the jersey with pride, and wish Alex, Kelci, Sonny and their growing family all the very best for the future. ?

Matchday

The occasion is further enhanced by the club’s pre-match lunch, with former Wales international Kingsley Jones joining as guest speaker ahead of kick-off.

The Challenge Ahead

Neath will provide a strong and experienced test in the final fixture of the campaign.

For Ystrad, the focus will be on delivering a committed performance and making the most of home advantage as they look to close out the season on a positive note.

Match Details

Saturday 9th May
2:30PM Kick-Off
Gelligaled Park

Conclusion

With the final whistle approaching on the 2025/26 season, this fixture represents one last opportunity to come together as a club — players, staff and supporters — and mark the occasion in the right way.

A day to recognise a fantastic career, welcome the next generation, and finish the season with pride.