Ystrad Rhondda RFC return to Gelligaled Park this Saturday (February 14th, 2:30pm KO) as we welcome reigning champions Merthyr RFC in Admiral Premiership action.

It’s a welcome return to home turf for Ystrad, and the squad will be looking to make home advantage count in what promises to be a competitive contest.

Team News

Leon Moore starts at loosehead prop with captain Liam Wiggins at hooker and Nathan English completing the front row. Wiggins, a former Merthyr player, will lead the side against his old club in what adds an extra edge to the occasion.

Iwan Williams and Cole Parry combine in the second row, bringing physicality and work rate in the tight exchanges while looking to provide a strong platform at set piece.

In the back row, Jack Rees and Mason Roderick are joined by youth captain Caeron Davies, who is set to make his senior debut in Ystrad colours — a proud moment for both player and club.

Callum Phillips starts at scrum-half with Lewis Williams at outside-half.

In the back three, Cavan Davies and Kurtis Williams are named on the wings, with Josh Williams selected at full-back. Cole Morgan features in midfield alongside Logan Hutchings.

This weekend also marks a significant milestone for Kurtis Williams, who makes his 150th appearance for Ystrad Rhondda RFC — a tremendous achievement and testament to his commitment in club colours.

Among the Finishers

The bench provides strong forward reinforcements in Carl Williams, Tom Stacey, David Webb, Lloyd Matthews and Kelly Jones.

In the backs, Keian Richards, Jacob Symes and Alex Webber will be ready to make an impact when called upon.

150 Up for Kurtis Williams

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Kurtis reflected on reaching the milestone:

“I’m glad to get 150 games for Ystrad. Hopefully I’ve got another 100 games in the legs! ?”

Having been part of the journey since the Division 1 days, Kurtis highlighted several standout moments:

“There’s been a few highlights since joining. Winning the two playoff games against Brynmawr, coming 2nd in our first year of the Championship and getting down the Principality Stadium several times.”

As one of the club’s leading try scorers in recent seasons, picking a favourite crossing proved difficult:

“I can’t think of any that stand out to be honest. You’d be best off asking Chukka that question because he counts and remembers all my try’s ?”

Looking ahead, the winger has no plans of slowing down:

“Hopefully push to get to 200 caps.”

And his message to the Ystrad faithful ahead of Saturday:

“Big thanks to all the supporters who watch us. Hopefully we’ll have a good crowd behind us this weekend. They’re the reigning champions and big favourites, so the expectation is on them. We can go out there, play our rugby and give it everything at home.”

The Challenge

Merthyr arrive as reigning champions and clear favourites for this encounter. Their experience, physicality and consistency at the top end of the division make them one of the benchmark sides in the league.

All the expectation will sit firmly with the visitors on Saturday. For Ystrad, the focus is on delivering a disciplined, high-intensity performance and ensuring the champions are made to work for everything at Gelligaled Park. Accuracy at set piece, defensive organisation and composure in key moments will be crucial across the 80 minutes.

With home support behind them, Ystrad will be determined to test the reigning champions from the first whistle.

Kick-off is at 2:30pm on Saturday. We look forward to seeing the Ystrad faithful in full voice.