Ponty repelled the dogged challenge of Neath in last season’s showpiece final at the Millennium Stadium but sit out the first round as the beaten finalists begin their campaign against Cross Keys.
Aberavon host Bridgend while Carmarthen Quins travel to Swansea in the only other all-Premiership battles in the opening round.
SWALEC Cup
ROUND 1
To be played the weekend of 4th January 2014
Neath v Cross Keys
Swansea v Carmarthen Quins
Llanelli v Tata Steel
Bargoed v Bedwas
Cardiff Met v Blackwood
Pontypool v Newbridge
Aberavon v Bridgend
Newport v Bonymaen
Ebbw Vale v Beddau
Llanharan v Tondu
Byes: Pontypridd, Llandovery, Cardiff, Narberth, Bridgend Athletic, RGC1404
