All Black visit the All Blacks

Posted on October 16, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

NZ TV CrewWith the World Cup entering the knock out stages, there were some interesting visitors to the Gnoll this week.  A New Zealand TV crew turned up to film a feature on the famous Neath v NewZealand game 26 years ago.

They spoke to players from the day, including coach Gareth Llewellyn and Team Manager Martyn Morris who played in the Neath team that day.  In addition, they also spoke to Team Secretary and historian Mike Price and current captain Nicky Downs.

The game is still making headlines over a quarter of a century later.

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Sign Up to the Supporters Club

Posted on October 15, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

001wmAs we approach our third home game of the season, Neath Rugby Supporters Club continues to go from strength to strength.

Just over a month into the season and we have already donated over £2000 worth of equipment to the squad. Just a couple of weeks ago we bought a set of hybrid drinks bottles, enabling the players to get much need hydration during games and training. This followed on from purchasing a set of training equipment during the off-season. The kit included hurdles, ropes and medicine and was well used by the squad during their pre-season training. The purchase of the equipment marked the single biggest donation ever made by the supporters club to the squad.

Over past seasons we have donated items such as nutritional supplements, ball boy bibs, training tops, projectors and waterproof clothing for the coaches and medical staff.

All these donations are only possible with the support of our members and those who have attended our events, such as our Hall of Fame nights and the memorable Neath v New Zealand Celebration last year.

Despite all these donations, we’re not stopping here. Our work continues, and already this year we have more members than ever before. If you haven’t joined yet and wish to do so then please come and see us – we’re in the clubhouse lounge before and after every home game. Membership for the season costs just £10, and for that members will receive a free gift as well as discounted rates to attend our events and functions throughout the season.

The more members we have, the greater our ability to support the squad. So please do come and join us and help us to help the squad back to the top of Welsh club rugby.

Don’t forget to keep up with the latest Neath Rugby Supporters Club news by clicking on the following links:
Twitter
Facebook
Instagram

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Another Donation to Squad

Posted on September 24, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Neath Rugby Supporters ClubFollowing on from the purchase of training apparatus over the summer, the supporters club has just purchased some more equipment for the squad.

This time, at the request of the coaches, we have purchased three sets of drinking bottles for the players. The hybrid bottles will allow the players to stay hydrated whilst their design lets them drink whilst keeping their mouths away from the outlet and thereby reducing the risk of infection when passing the bottle from player to player.

The purchase has come about as a result of the uptake in membership this season. At this early stage of the season our membership numbers continue to rise, with fans eager to help us to help the team. Remember, everything we make goes back into helping the team.

So, a big thank you to those who have joined, and if you haven’t yet, then please consider doing so. With your support we can continue to support the squad during the forthcoming campaign. Membership remains at just £10 for the season. For this you will receive a free gift as well as discounted rates to attend our events and functions throughout the season. If you want to join for then you can find us in the clubhouse lounge before and after every home game, including the Cardiff game on Saturday.

The more members we have, the greater our ability is to help the squad.

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Neath v Newport – Programme Notes Preview

Posted on September 4, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Shane WilliamsHere we are at the start of another season and there is certainly a renewed sense of optimism around the Gnoll.

As ever, it has been another summer of upheaval, but the off field changes that have taken place seem to be finally steering the club in the right direction. It was good to see legendary former players Gareth Llewellyn, Martyn Morris and Shane Williams return to the club, as well as Neath stalwarts Mike Price and Dai Shaw appointed to the club’s board.

The supporters club continues to go from strength to strength. During the off-season we were able to purchase a whole range of training and fitness equipment for the squad. This represented the single biggest donation we have given the to the squad and is a direct result of the support we received last season.

With your support we can continue to support the squad during the forthcoming campaign. Membership remains at just £10 for the season. For this you will receive a free gift as well as discounted rates to attend our events and functions throughout the season. More importantly your money will help the squad, as every penny we make is ploughed directly back into buying equipment for the team.

Many of last season’s members have already renewed their membership for the coming year, but if you haven’t done so yet, or want to join for the first time then you can find us in the clubhouse lounge before and after every home game. The more members we have, the greater our ability is to help the squad.

Remember you can keep up to date with all the supporters club news on our website – www.neathrugbysupporters.com. We’re also on Twitter (@neathsupporters) and Facebook (Neath Rugby Supporters).

Enjoy the game, and enjoy the season.

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Supporters Club Donate Training Equipment to Squad

Posted on August 14, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

002wm001wmWith the new season about to get underway, Neath Rugby Supporters Club have donated some training equipment to the squad.

The equipment which has been used during the squad’s pre-season sessions include hurdle kits, cast iron kettlebells, ropes and medicine balls.  The equipment marks the single biggest donation ever given to the squad since the supporters club was formed two years ago.  The equipment was bought with the proceeds of the Hall of Fame evening held last May.

A spokesman for Neath Rugby Supporters Club said “It’s been another difficult off-season for Neath RFC, but now that those problems are behind us the coming season will hopefully mark a new chapter in the history of the club.  We’re sure the players will find the equipment useful as they prepare to take us back to the top of Welsh club rugby”.

“When the request from the coaching staff came for this equipment we were only too pleased to help out.  The phenomenal support we’ve received from our members over the past season meant we were able to make the biggest single donation we’ve ever made to the squad.”

“The supporters club would like to thank it’s members and all those who supported the Hall of Fame night and all our other activities last season.  It’s only through their support and backing that we were able  help the squad in this way.”

With the countdown on to the start of the campaign, supporters are encouraged to join the supporters club for the 2015/16 season.  Membership remains at £10 for the season and will allow members to receive many discounts and benefits throughout the coming season.  Any profits the supporters club make is ploughed back into helping the team.  Memberships will be available to purchase from the supporters club table in the clubhouse at home games.

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Neath Rugby Supporters Club AGM

Posted on July 12, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub
Josh Davies wearing one of the new Training Tops

Josh Davies wearing one of the new Training Tops

The Neath Rugby Supporters Club AGM will take place on Sunday 16 August 2015 at 7:30pm at the Neath RFC Clubhouse.

The AGM will be an opportunity to hear what the club has achieved in the past year and to elect or re-elect officers for the coming year. It will also be your opportunity to suggest activities and fund-raising efforts for the year ahead.

Nominations for election to the committee should be made in writing to info@neathrugbysupporters.com. Nominations should also be seconded by another supporters club member.

Admission to the AGM will be strictly for members only, so please remember to bring your membership cards with you.

See you there.

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Hall of Fame a success

Posted on May 18, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

James Thomas presents Shane with HoF capThank you to everyone who attended last Friday’s Hall of Fame celebration night.

A packed clubhouse saw past and present players come together with fans to celebrate some of the club’s greatest players and to recognise the achievements of the current squad.

The first formality of the evening was the presentation of a cheque to Jake Buckley from Tonna RFC.  As you will know, Jake suffered a serious neck injury playing for Tonna against Rhigos back in March.  The money raised to help Jake in his recovery was donated by fans at the recent Neath v Aberavon game.  A big thank you to Paula for organising the collection.

The evening then moved on to the presentations to the current Neath squad.  Patrick Horgan opened the awards with a very entertaining story about Lions hunting Wildebeests (and Giraffes).  Whilst the story had everyone in fits of laughter, there was a very serious side to it – the importance of sticking together during troubled times.

On to the awards, and best newcomer as awarded to scrum-half (and part-time outside half) Rhodri Cole.  Clubman of the year was prop Nicky Downs, players player of the year went to Jordan Collier whilst the coveted player of the year award to the outstanding Alex Humphrey.  Alex would later go on to also pick up the supporters player of the year award to cap a fantastic first season for him at the Gnoll.  Coach, Partick Horgan was then presented with a signed jersey in recognition of his hard work by Rhys Davies and Steve Evans.

The Hall of Fame section of the evening began with Shane Williams being presented with his 2014 cap.  Shane was of course unable to attend last year due to him playing (“in the second row”) in Japan, so was presented with his cap this year by James Thomas.  The 2015 Hall of Fame presentations then started with Lee Beach presenting Noel Mellin with a cap on behalf of his ex-teammate Rees Stephens.

Ron Waldron then received his cap from current prop Nicky Downs.  Ron then entertained the crowd with his memories of playing for and coaching Neath.

Next was Diane Davies, who received the cap on behalf of her late husband Martyn Davies.  Two great captains, Kevin Phillips and then Gareth Llewellyn received their caps from Siôn Crocker and Jordan Collier respectively.

Shane, Gareth and Kevin then took to the floor to answer questions from the audience before the night drew to a close.

Neath Rugby Supporters Club is very grateful to everyone who attended particularly the inductees and the current playing squad.  We are also grateful to Mike Price for comparing the evening with his unrivaled knowledge of Neath RFC history and Rhys and Sarah from R&SD Risk Management for their sponsorship.

Once again, thank you to everyone for your support of the event and we look forward to seeing you all again during the 2015/16 season.

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Late Change in Line-up for Hall of Fame night

Posted on May 9, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Twitter Profile HoF2015 copyUnfortunately there has been a late change in the line-up for next Friday’s Hall of Fame night. Rick O’Shea has informed us that, regrettably, he has to pull out of the event due to work commitments with the BBC. Naturally, this is disappointing news and apologise to everyone who was looking forward to hearing Rick speak. Efforts are on-going to find a replacement and we’ll let you know who that will be once confirmed.

Despite this, the evening still promises to be an unforgettable event with Ron Waldron, Gareth Llewellyn and Kevin Phillips attending to receive their Hall of Fame caps as well as Shane Williams comming to collect the cap he was awarded last year.

The evening will also incorporate the 2014/15 players’ presentation evening which will include the presentation of the Neath Rugby Supporters Club’s Player of the Year award.

We look forward to seeing you all on Friday for another memorable night.

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Hall of Fame – Sold Out

Posted on April 30, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

Twitter Profile HoF2015 copyNeath Rugby Supporters Club are delighted to announce that the 2015 Hall of Fame celebration night has now sold out.

The evening will see Neath greats Rees Stephens, Martyn Davies, Ron Waldron, Kevin Phillips and Gareth Llewellyn join last year’s inductees into the Hall of Fame.

This year will also see many of the current squad join us for the evening as they incorporate their end of season awards ceremony into the event.  In addition, the Supporters Club will also present their Player of the Year award to one of this year’s players.

If you’ve already got your ticket, then we look forward to seeing you on May 15th

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Countdown to the Hall of Fame

Posted on April 17, 2015 by neathrugbysupportersclub

HoF Board UnveilingWith just under a month to go, Neath Rugby Supporters Club have unveiled their Hall of Fame board.

The board contains the names of the 2014 inductees and will be added to over the coming years as more Neath legends are admitted to the Hall of Fame.

The board was unveiled by Rhys and Sarah from R&SD Risk Management, kind sponsors of the the Hall of Fame.  Neath Rugby Supporters Club are also grateful to Keith and Tracy in the clubhouse for finding space for us to put the board up.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame celebration are selling fast.  The event takes place on Friday 15th May with the night on course to become a sell out.

As a reminder, the evening will see five of Neath RFC’s all time greats inducted into the Hall of Fame, where they will join last year’s inductees. The five players nominated for this year’s honour are former Wales and Lions second row Rees Stephens, ex-Wales coach Ron Waldron, cup-winning captain Martyn Davies, Wales’ most capped lock Gareth Llewellyn and legendary hooker Kevin Phillips.

The players (or their representatives) will attend the evening in order to be presented with their special commemorative caps.  Also attending will be Wales’ record try scorer Shane Williams, who will be presented with the cap he was awarded last year.  Shane was admitted to the Hall of Fame in 2014 but was unable to attend the celebration night due to his playing commitments in Japan.

The guest speaker on the evening will be popular BBC Scrum V presenter, Rick O’Shea.

A busy night will also see the Neath Rugby Supporters Club Player of the Year awarded presented to one of the current squad.  If you haven’t voted yet then please do so as soon as possible – e-mail your vote to info@neathrugbysupporters.com or see one of the Supporters Club committee members at the forthcoming Bridgend or Bedwas games.

Tickets for the Hall of Fame evening will be available from Neath Rugby Supporters Club committee members at the forthcoming game with Bridgend (18th April) or Bedwas (25th April). Alternatively call 07943 567994 or e-mail info@neathrugbysupporters.com. Tickets cost £7.50 for supporters club members and £12.50 for non-members. All money raised from the evening will be used to support the Neath RFC team in their preparations for the new season.

The 2015 Hall of Fame is sponsored by R&SD Risk Management.

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