“On our day we can beat anyone.”
Those are the words of RGC general manager Alun Pritchard as the Gogs gear up for this weekend’s Super Rygbi Cymru season opener against Cardiff at Parc Eirias.
With, at the very least, another 11 trips south ahead of them over the next eight months in league and cup, the Colwyn Bay based side certainly know a thing or two about long journeys.
And, while he expects there to be some bumps in the road throughout 2025/26, Pritchard has backed the side to pick up a few more scalps along the way.
Among last season’s highlights were memorable victories over Ebbw Vale and Llandovery, as well as big triumphs at home against Pontypool and Aberavon, while RGC also won at Cardiff in the SRC Cup.
The north Walians finished eighth in last season’s SRC and then missed out on a place in the quarter-finals following a disappointing 15-12 home defeat by Carmarthen Quins in the wildcard play-off.
“On our day we can beat anyone – and we know that – we play a really exciting expansive style of rugby,” said Pritchard.
“Sometimes that can backfire on us; in certain conditions or against certain teams, that style can potentially hamper us – but it’s exciting for the fans and that’s what we’re there to do.
“We want to give north Walians an opportunity to develop and get to the top of their game and, if we can do that in an exciting manner, then that's good.”
READ MORE: Steff Thomas Targets Top Six Finish For Carmarthen Quins In Super Rygbi Cymru
Among the new faces at RGC is teenage centre Gethin O’Callaghan, who has joined from the Bristol Bears senior academy.
The former Cardiff Rugby U16 and U18 player was included in the England U20 elite development squad during his time at Bristol.
The Gogs have also brought over 24-year-old lock James Brown from New Zealand to boost their pack this season.
Having just completed his fourth season with Te Puna in the Baywide Premiership competition, Brown brings a wealth of experience from his time in New Zealand’s elite development systems.
He came through the Auckland Rugby Academy pathway and represented the Blues U20 side.
Meanwhile, GB Sevens star Caio Parry and centre Delwyn Jones will be ones to watch again for RGC this season.
READ MORE: Pontypool Target Road Map as Route to SRC Success
“We’ve lost a lot of players across the close season, but we’ve brought in some local boys and players from further away,” added Pritchard.
“We’ve also brought through another batch of youngsters as well, and what I’m really looking forward to is seeing those youngsters playing against the top players from the other SRC teams; learning, developing and enjoying their rugby – and that's all you can ask for.
“It’s going to be a tough old season, probably more tough this year than last, but we have faith in our ability and let’s see how things go.”
