Penallta RFC and Nelson RFC will play against each other for the first time in their histories.
On Bonfire Night, the two clubs will meet each other in the First Round of the Worthington Mid District Cup.
The Bryn Group company, which consists of a dairy farm, recycling centre and quarry, is based between the villages of Nelson and Penallta and sponsors both sides. It also employs half a dozen local workers who play and support both clubs.
This will be the first time ever for both teams face each other in a competitive match in the 60 years since they were both in existence.
Penallta winger Gareth Edwards has worked for the Bryn Group since he left school seven years ago.
He said: “Obviously any cup tie is a tense match. But this one will be a bit special as its a local derby and on top of that I’ll be up against some of the men I work with day-in day-out.
“They’re not only workmates but friends too – though that won’t stop the rivalry when the opening whistle blows on Saturday.”
Tight-head prop and captain Jonathan Difford, who has more than a hundred caps for Nelson, said: “I’ve known some of the lads I’ll be playing against on Saturday since we were at school together, not just through work. There’s a great friendship there as well as rivalry.
“We’ve never played against each other before because we don’t play in the same league so it’s only the cup draw that’s thrown this match together. It might be a long time before who ever loses will get a chance to face the winners again, so there will be a lot of pride on show for Saturday. It’s going to be a cracker!”
Bryn Quarry Managing Director, Alun Price, said: “I’ve supported Nelson for five years while my brother, who runs the dairy farm, played for Penallta for 10 years and has supported them for 20 years. So there’s family rivalry riding on this result – it won’t just the players who work for us battling it out.
“I just hope all the boys turn up in one piece on Monday morning.”
The game will be played at Penallta RFC in Ystrad Mynach at 2.30pm on Saturday November 5.
Nelson RFC are currently ranked 3rd in Division 3 South East while Penallta RFC are currently ranked 4th in Division 2 South East.