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Newport Believe They have Wind in their Sails to Blow Away Holders Llandovery in SCR Cup Showdown

Llandovery celebrate winning the SRC Cup last year. Pic: WRU

Llandovery celebrate winning the SRC Cup last year. Pic: WRU

Newport RFC will head into Saturday’s Super Rygbi Cup final at Cardiff Arms Park believing they have the momentum to challenge holders Llandovery RFC.

It’s a remarkable turnaround for a side that could barely buy a victory at the start of the campaign.

Kick-off for the showpiece is scheduled for 5.30pm, and the occasion will see the Black & Ambers attempt to complete one of the most dramatic revivals of the Welsh domestic season under head coach Ty Morris.

Newport’s path to the final has been anything but straightforward. 

Their Super Rygbi Cup campaign began disastrously, with five straight defeats leaving them struggling near the bottom of the competition. 

Since then, however, Morris’ side have undergone a stunning transformation.

They arrive in Cardiff having won 10 and drawn one of their last 12 matches in the competition — a surge in form that has propelled them into the final and turned them into one of the most dangerous sides in both league and cup rugby.

READ MORE: Llandovery Ready For Trophy Double, Claims Boss Euros Evans

The contest also carries an extra layer of intrigue as it mirrors the 2024 Indigo Premiership final. 

On that occasion Llandovery edged a tense contest 14–7 at Church Bank to secure the title, meaning Newport now have the opportunity to exact a measure of revenge.

Despite Newport’s resurgence, Llandovery still hold the upper hand in head-to-head meetings this season. 

The west Walians have won both clashes so far — claiming a narrow 22–19 victory at Church Bank before following it up with a 27–20 success at Newport Stadium.

Drovers head coach Euros Evans is well aware of the challenge his team will face and has spoken admiringly about the work Morris has done in turning Newport’s season around.

“They have a great programme at Newport and the interaction between the club and the region works really well for both,” said Evans.

“They are always tough up front and they also have a very capable back line. We know we are going to have to be at our very best to hold onto the trophy.”

READ MORE: Llandovery Chase Super Rygbi Cup Defence at Home to Pontypool

Both sides had to come through dramatic semi-finals to secure their place in the final.

Llandovery required a moment of late composure from Ioan Hughes, whose penalty with the final play of the match sealed a 26–24 home win over Pontypool RFC in a nerve-shredding encounter.

Newport’s route to the final proved just as intense. 

Their clash with Ebbw Vale RFC developed into a thrilling high-scoring contest that stretched into added time before the Black & Ambers eventually prevailed 48–34.

The victory showcased the attacking threat Newport now possess, particularly in a backline packed with players who previously represented Wales at under-20 level.

READ MORE: Ebbw Vale Rise to the Top has been Years in the Making, says Jason Strange

One of the key boosts for Morris ahead of the final is the return of winger Oli Andrew, who is back available to add pace and finishing power out wide.

Another player who will be eager to impress is centre Harri Ackerman. 

He delivered an outstanding display during the semi-final victory over Ebbw Vale and will hope another strong performance on the big stage strengthens his push to re-establish himself in the midfield at regional level with the Dragons RFC.

While the main final will command the spotlight, the earlier match at Cardiff Arms Park will decide the destination of the Plate trophy.

RGC 1404 face Swansea RFC in the Plate final at 2.30pm in what promises to be another compelling contest.

For RGC, the occasion represents a rare opportunity. The north Wales side have not reached a final since their memorable cup triumph in 2017, making this appearance particularly significant for the club.

Head coach Jon Callard believes the moment reflects the progress his team have made and sees the game as a chance to test themselves in the most demanding circumstances.

“It is our first final in nine years, and one we are immensely proud to be a part of. We go into the game on the back of a strong performance against Bridgend in the semi-final,” said Callard.

“Finals are, in many ways, a test of learning and adaptability. They present a unique challenge, but one that should be embraced and enjoyed.

“They are judgement day, a chance to measure the progress we’ve made and to test ourselves in a winner-takes-all environment.”

With two finals on the schedule and several compelling storylines, the day promises a showcase of Welsh domestic rugby.

But much of the attention will centre on whether Newport’s remarkable revival can reach its climax — or whether Llandovery will once again prove too strong and retain their grip on the Super Rygbi Cup.

SRC CUP FINAL TEAM
Llandovery: Kian Abraham; Harri Doel, Corey Baldwin, Rhodri Jones, Llien Morgan; Ioan Hughes, Lee Rees (captain); Jamie Hughes, Cam Lewis, Berian Watkins, Griff Evans, Joe Powell, Osian Davies, Stuart Worrall, Evan Sheldon
Reps: Harry Thomas, Tom Phillips, Gabe Hawley, Harry Holden, Tiaan Sparrow, Adam Warren, Jack Maynard, George Macdonald

Newport: Carwyn Penny; Oli Andrew, Harri Ackerman, Harrison James, Morgan Williams; Jac Lloyd, Dafydd Buckland; Tom Devine, Henry Palmer, Garin Harris, Josh Skinner, Callum Bradbury, Hunter Ward, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach (captain)
Reps: Wade Langley, Harry Fry, Ollie Drake, Ioan Rhys Davies, Josh Reid, Tiger Chatham, Lucus Welch, Tom Hoppe.

SRC PLATE FINAL TEAMS

RGC: Dion Jones; Sam Jones, Danny Cross, Delwyn Jones, Caio Parry; Billy McBryde, Tudur Jones; Gareth Parry, Jac Petch-Jones, Pedr Jones, Billy McQueeney, Harper Chamberlain, Dafydd Thirsk, Charlie Probert, Sam Williams
Reps: Osian Burt, Jesse Williams, Paddy Nelson, Will Kellett, Celt Ffransis-Roberts, Connor Dever, Afon Bagshaw, Louis Williams 

Swansea: Mat Protheroe; Brandon Wood, Callum Carson, Joe Thomas, Harri Houston; Josh Phillipos (co-captain), Matthew Aubrey; Daf Davies, ⁠Rhodri King, ⁠Kian Hire, Chris Thompson, ⁠Ben Roberts, ⁠Iwan Shenton, ⁠Callum Bowden (co-captain), ⁠Jacob Hopkins

Reps: ⁠Logan Lloyd, ⁠Tom Crockett, ⁠Ed Thompson, ⁠Jake Roberts, ⁠Oliver Jones, ⁠Iwan Temblett, ⁠Jack Hoskins, ⁠Liam Lloyd

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