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Club rugby returns this weekend as WRU National League get back underway

News, Sport | Rhys Williams | Published: 11:50, Friday September 1st, 2023.
Last updated: 11:50, Friday September 1st, 2023

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Bedwas and Bargoed facing off against each other at the Bridgefield
Bedwas and Bargoed facing off against each other at the Bridgefield last season

Men’s club rugby returns this weekend as teams across Wales get the new season underway in the WRU National Leagues.

All games will kick-off at 2.30pm on Saturday September 2.

There will be a Caerphilly County Borough derby on the opening weekend in the WRU National Championship East – Wales’ second tier – as newly-promoted Newbridge host Cross Keys.

The division will also see last season’s high-flyers Bargoed host Rumney, while Bedwas welcome Beddau to the Bridgefield.

Newbridge RFC lifting the Division One Cup over the weekend
Newbridge RFC lifting the Division One Cup last season

Elsewhere in the league, Penallta, who have also promoted to the second tier, host St Peters.

Dropping down a tier to Division One East, Risca get their campaign underway with a visit to Dowlais, while Nelson, Senghenydd, and Ynysddu host Abergavenny, Monmouth and Blaenavon respectively.

In Division Two East, Oakdale face a trip to Torfaen to take on Garndiffiath, while Blackwood play host to Caldicot.

Meanwhile, Caerphilly welcome Taffs Well to Virginia Park in Division Two East Central.

Further down the leagues, Division Three East will see two Caerphilly County Borough derbies on opening weekend, with Rhymney hosting Abercarn, and Machen making the trip north to play Abertysswg Falcons.

Elsewhere in the division, Fleur de Lys head east to take on Chepstow away.

There will also be a Caerphilly County Borough derby one division below in the Division Four East, as Blackwood Stars host New Tredegar.

The division also sees Bedwellty host Crickhowell, while Crumlin take on St Julians at home as Hafodyrynys host Bettws.

Crumlin RFC celebrate their Division Five Cup win at the Principality Stadium
Crumlin RFC celebrate their Division Five Cup win at the Principality Stadium last year

Down in Division Five East, Pontllanfraith play West Mon at home.

Rounding off the opening day fixtures are Cwmcarn United, who play Hartridge at home in Division Six East, while Trinant make the short trip to Tredegar Ironsides elsewhere in the division.

Opening weekend fixtures in full

The WRU National Leagues will get underway on Saturday September 2, with all games kicking off at 2.30pm.

  • Bargoed v Rumney (Championship)
  • Bedwas v Beddau (Championship)
  • Newbridge v Cross Keys (Championship)
  • Penallta v St Peter’s (Championship)
  • Dowlais v Risca (Division One East)
  • Nelson v Abergavenny (Division One East)
  • Senghenydd v Monmouth (Division One East)
  • Ynysddu v Blaenavon (Division One East)
  • Garndiffiath v Oakdale (Division Two East)
  • Blackwood v Caldicot (Division Two East)
  • Caerphilly v Taffs Well (Division Two East Central)
  • Rhymney v Abercarn (Division Three East)
  • Abertysswg Falcons v Machen (Division Three East)
  • Chepstow v Fleur de Lys (Division Three East)
  • Bedwellty v Crickhowell (Division Four East)
  • Blackwood Stars v New Tredegar (Division Four East)
  • Crumlin v St Julian’s (Division Four East)
  • Hafodyrynys v Bettws (Division Four East)
  • Pontllanfraith v West Mon (Division Five East)
  • Cwmcarn United v Hartridge (Division Six East)
  • Tredegar Ironsides v Trinant (Division Six East)
Rugby union: which teams are playing in which leagues in the 2023/24 season?

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Ian Lovell
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Crumlin RFC

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