Supporters’ End of Season Awards

Posted on July 4, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

AwardsWith the new season fast approaching, it’s probably worth just taking a quick look back at last season.

With no official end of season awards this year, it was left to users of the unofficial fans forum to to come up with their own awards.

A number of categories were suggested before fans put forward their favored players for the awards.  After totting up the votes the winners were:

Player of the Year: Lee Evans
Young Player of the Year: Luc Jones
Newcomer of the Year: Steffan Jones
Clubman of the Year: Dai Langdon

Whilst these awards were unofficial and mainly just for fun, it has been suggested that the Supporters Club organise a small award for the players, so that fans can show their appreciation for the players’ efforts.  So we (or more specifically Len) has come up with the design above which we hope to get made up on wooden plaques and present to the winning players in due course.

So it’s congratulations to Lee, Luc, Steffan and Dai and whilst these are just unofficial awards this season, we will hopefully develop things in to more recognised awards in future years.

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Neath Player Forced to Retire

Posted on July 3, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Johnny DaviesSad news today that Neath outside half Johnny Davies has been forced to retire.  Aged just 24, Johnny spent most of last season injured and it appears that now the injury seems to have got the better of him.

Announcing his retirement, Johnny tweeted “Devastated to a say that I have to retire from rugby at 24 years old. Never ever thought I’d actually say it.  Thanks to everyone involved with Neath Rugby and Waunarlwydd RFC. Thanks for the memories I guess! Cheers”

He showed great promise during his brief spell with us and naturally we wish him all the best for the future.

Better news though for Kevin James.  The Gnoll legend has been announced as coach of the Ospreys Under 18 side alongside former Neath outside half Shaun Conner.  Again, we wish him all the best too.

(Image: Len Kowalski)

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Videographer needed

Posted on July 2, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Neath coach Neil Edwards is looking for someone to video the midweek training sessions to help with their matchday preparation.

Matchdays are covered by the WRU, so that would leave you free to attend and watch the game on a Saturday.

Is there anyone who is willing to do the job?  If so get in contact with Neath Supporters Club Chairman Len Kowalski (len.kowalski@ntlworld.com) who will then pass the info on to Nelly.

This isn’t a paid post but you will get a complimentary season ticket for doing it.

It’s a great opportunity for the right person to help out the squad and be part of a winning team.

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Two New Signings for Neath

Posted on July 1, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub
James Goode

James Goode

The preparations for the 2013/14 season are now well underway, and today Neath announced two further signings.

James Goode joins from Newcastle.  He played a handful of games for us last year before heading to the North East.  Goode, a second row, will also join the coaching staff, in charge of the set piece.

Hooker Ieuan Dobbs is also heading to the Gnoll.  He joins from Swansea but has also had spells with Pontypridd, Celtic Warriors (remember them?), Bridgend, Glamorgan Wanderers, Tonmawr and Cross Keys.

They join other new signings Alec Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ceri Young, Josh Davies and Kyle Taylor.  Naturally we wish them all well for the season ahead.

(Image courtesy of Len Kowalski)

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Goodbye Dean

Posted on June 27, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub
Clive, Paula, Dean, Paul and Dillwyn.

Clive, Paula, Dean, Paul and Dillwyn.

At the end of last season, our kiwi import Dean Cummins decided to return to New Zealand.  Dean arrived at the Gnoll just before Christmas and made his debut in the British and Irish Cup game against Bedford.  He played 12 games in total, impressing at out side half and in the centre.

Before returning home, a group of supporters got together to present Dean with a parting gift as a token of their appreciation. Clive, Paula, Paul and Dilwyn gave Dean a traditional Welsh slate plaque with on image of himself etched onto it.  The plaque was inscribed “From all your friends at Neath Rugby Supporters Club“.

The presentation took place at the clubhouse just before Dean flew home.  We, of course, wish him well in the future.

(As ever, thanks to Len Kowalski for the image)

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Duck to LEEd from the Front

Posted on June 7, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

DuckCongratulations today go to Lee Duck Evans on his appointment as Neath Rugby captain for the coming season.

The flanker has never let the team down and will undoubtedly lead from the front in his usual no-nonsense combative style.

One of our most consistent performers last season, he was rewarded with a well deserved place in the Premiership’s team of the year. Hopefully with his leadership Neath can return to its rightful place at the top of Welsh club rugby.

It is also right at this point that we should also thank Gareth Gravell for his outstanding leadership over the last few seasons.  Again, a tough uncompromising leader, he has done a tremendous job in tough circumstances over the last few years.

So, it’s thanks to Grav and good luck to Duck for the coming season.

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Neath Wing Set to Win First Cap

Posted on June 6, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Daydd Howells, Neath, Wales, RugbyIt keeps getting better and better for Neath wing Dafydd Howells.  Originally selected for the Wales training squad, he then made the cut for the slimed down party to tour Japan and then this morning news came through that he had been selected for his first cap in the first test this Saturday.

Great reward for him, who, despite only playing a handful of games for us last season showed immense promise scoring some blistering tries including a fantastic individual length of the field effort against Llandovery that was nominated for try of the season and that fabulous effort in the cup final against Pontypridd.

Set your alarms – you can watch Dafydd in action on BBC One at 6:00am.

Good luck to him (and ex-blacks Jonathan Spratt & Tavis Knoyle) as well as the rest of the team.

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Awards Evening Cancelled

Posted on June 5, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Logo 03 copySadly, due to low ticket sales, this Saturday’s awards night has had to be cancelled.

Apologies to those who had already bought their tickets.

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Rising Star Heads to Land of Rising Sun

Posted on May 21, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub
Daydd Howells, Neath, Wales, Rugby

Dafydd Howells

Following his inclusion in the initial training squad, Wales today confirmed that young Neath wing Dafydd Howells will travel to Japan for their summer tour.

In just a handful of games for the club last year, Dafydd showed his immense potential with a crucial try in the semi final against Aberavon before following it up with a superb individual effort in the final against Pontypridd.

It goes without saying, that Neath Rugby Supporters Club wish him and fellow All Blacks Tavis Knoyle, Jonathan Spratt and Craig Mitchell all the best for the tour.

(Image courtesy of Len Kowalski)

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Busy Day at the Gnoll

Posted on May 20, 2013 by neathrugbysupportersclub

It’s certainly been a busy day at the Gnoll.

Earlier they announced the Season Ticket packages for the forthcoming 2013/14 season.  Prices start at just £70 and there’s also an option to include the 2014 Scorpions matches in your package.  Full details, prices and opportunities to buy are here

It was then announced that the club had appointed a new Chief Executive – Mike Harrison.  A familiar face at the Gnoll, Mike has previously been involved in the setting up the new development squad which made it’s debut in the season just gone.  We wish Mike all the best in his new role.

Finally, new head coach, Neil Edwards announced two new additions to his coaching team.  Assistant Coach will be former Ebbw Vale scrum half Llyr Lane, whilst the new Strength and Conditioning Coach will be former Wales flanker Robin Sowden-Taylor.  Naturally we wish them well for the coming season and beyond.

Now with a Chief Executive and coaching team in place we can look forward over the coming weeks to hearing about squad news for 2013/14.

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