September 08, 2026 - 264 views
RGC will be hoping to make a fast start to the new Super Rygbi Cymru season when they travel to Newport on Saturday.
The Gogs endured a slow start to last season and will be determined to avoid a repeat, with Jessie Williams stressing the importance of picking up early wins and building momentum.
“The hard work starts now,” Williams said.
“It’s a tough league and a long season, and a lot of success comes down to building momentum. If you can get off to a good start, pick up some wins and put a run together early on, it can really shape how your season goes.
“Our focus is on these opening games in September, and they’ll give us a good idea of where we are as a group.
“Pre-season gets you to the starting line, and on Saturday the starting pistol goes. We’re ready to get going.”
RGC will face a Newport side that has historically proved difficult opposition. The Gogs' last league victory away at the Black and Ambers came in April 2022, when they edged a dramatic contest 32-31.
RGC scored tries through Afon Bagshaw, Zac Clow, Rhys Tudor and Brodie Coghlan before Dion Jones held his nerve to kick a last-minute penalty and seal victory.
RGC finished last season among the competitive group in Super Rygbi Cymru and had one of the competition's standout individual performers.
Billy McBryde finished as the league's leading points scorer with 224 points, while winger Caio Parry scored 14 tries, putting him joint-second in the try-scoring charts.
RGC also reached the Super Rygbi Cymru Plate final, where they were beaten 29-13 by Swansea.
Super Rygbi Cymru is the WRU’s top domestic men’s competition, bringing together 10 clubs from across Wales.
Teams play home and away league fixtures before the competition moves into the play-offs, with separate cup competitions also running alongside the league.
It was introduced in 2024 as part of efforts to strengthen the pathway between community rugby and the professional game, and has quickly developed into a highly competitive league.
RGC's opening fixture therefore represents a serious test straight away, but a win in Newport would give the Gogs an early boost as they look to improve on last season's campaign.
After Newport, RGC return to Stadiwm Eirias on Saturday, 19 September, when they host Carmarthen Quins in their first home league game of the new season.
