They then host Bridgend on Wednesday 18 September, travel to Cross Keys on Saturday 21 September and welcome Newport to Sardis Road on Saturday 28 September to complete a busy first month of league action.
As double league and cup holders, Pontypridd head coach Dale McIntosh is looking forward to the challenge of being the side everyone wants to beat and believes the Premiership will be even more competitive this season.
“I think there are going to be even more teams in contention for the title this year. The WRU, the clubs and the players have all worked hard to raise standards and I think that will come through on the pitch,” he said.
“We are grateful that our first game against Bedwas is at home. Bedwas had a fantastic season last year and have strengthened their squad further so that opening encounter is set to be a great way to kick off the campaign.
“We also have home games against Bridgend and Newport in the month, which is positive for us, but our first away fixture, against Cross Keys on September 21 could be a real humdinger of a game. It will be our first away match of the season as we play Cardiff at home in the British & Irish Cup play-off on September 7, and our pre-season games are also at home so we will really need to be on the ball at Pandy Park.
“We have a number of injuries among key players at the moment – in the front row, Patrick Palmer and Jack Dando are out and Dan Godfrey and Chris Dicomidis both have shoulder injuries so it is set to be a tough opening month.
“Having said that, we won’t be making any excuses. We are happy with our squad – a number of players who were previously on the fringes will be given their chance this season. We are looking forward to seeing Luke Crocker, a blindside flanker who came through our system and played at Beddau last season, along with Tom Williams, brother of our Treorchy product scrum half Lloyd, who will be competing for the No 9 jersey. Players like Owen Sheppeard, Jordan Sieniawski and Jack Dando will also be given their opportunity this season.
“While last season’s campaign is a big act to follow, we will show the same enthusiasm and ethics towards all our matches as we always do. We have trust in our players and ourselves as coaches and we are accountable to the club, our supporters and ourselves. It’s simple – if you ever become satisfied with what you have achieved you might as well hang up your boots. “
Last year’s beaten Principality Premiership finalists, Llanelli, begin their campaign with a tasty away tie against Neath.
They then welcome fellow Scarlets regional Premiership side Carmarthen in the midweek game, travel to Newport on Saturday 21 September before welcoming Bridgend Ravens to Parc y Scarlets on the last Saturday of the month.
Head coach Kevin George said: “Neath are in a period of transition with Neil Edwards and Llyr Lane having taken over the coaching reins and with a number of experienced players having moved on or retired. They have recruited some experienced players with the likes of Dale Ford and James Goode too but we would have preferred to meet them later on in the season as they will be an unknown entity in round one.
“The other thing that jumps out from the fixture list is that will we will play Carmarthen Quins twice in less than two weeks with our British & Irish Cup play-off taking place on September 7 before playing them again, on Wednesday September 18.
“The Quins have recruited well and have a number of talented academy players within their ranks so that will be tough.
“Traditionally we have had started slowly but we can’t afford to do that this season. We have recruited at half back with Aled Davies and Gareth Davies having moved up to the senior Scarlets squad and with Lions players rested, there will be a big demand on our players so we will assess how we’re doing at the end of September before setting targets for the season.”
In the other first round fixtures on September 14, Aberavon take on Newport, Llandovery play Cardiff, Swansea host Cross Keys and Bridgend welcome Carmarthen.
Click here to view full Principality Premiership fixture list 2013/14
