Ystrad come into the tie after last week’s league outing against Llanelli Wanderers, with the coaches once again opting to rotate the squad and give opportunities across the board. There are changes in the pack, where Curtis Whitford and Liam Wiggins come into the front row, and Lloyd Matthews joins captain Jarrad Llewellyn and Kelly Jones in the back row.
In the backs, Garin Lane is introduced into midfield to partner Logan Hutchings, giving the centre pairing a fresh look. Ieuan Chedzoy takes over at fullback, bringing pace and creativity from deep. Ryan Evans provides cover from the bench this week, while Alex Webber lends his guidance from the sidelines in his coaching role this week.

Among the finishers, there’s a particularly exciting inclusion as Ollie Dowler is named in the senior squad for the first time, stepping up from the current youth side. His selection underlines the strength of the club’s development system and the pathway from junior rugby to the Premiership stage.

The pathway presence is once again clear right across the squad. Whitford, Wiggins, English, Jones, Lane, Hutchings, and Chedzoy all feature in the starting XV, while Dowler, Corben Evans, Callum Dawe, Iwan Williams, Callum Phillips and Jacob Symes provide further pathway representation amongst the finishers.

Historic clashes between Ystrad and Newbridge have been close, with last season’s Premiership fixture at Gelligaled ending 31–29 in Ystrad’s favour. Another tight battle is expected tomorrow.

Newbridge arrive with a reputation for physicality and a strong forward pack, qualities that have made them difficult opponents in recent seasons. Their ability to dominate territory and pressure teams at the breakdown will provide a stern test for Ystrad’s young side. For the hosts, the focus will be on matching that intensity and using the energy of their pathway players to stay in the contest. It promises to be a hard-fought encounter, with Ystrad aiming to rise to the challenge against an experienced Newbridge outfit.