The Pitmen won the title for the second time last season thanks to a last-ditch try from Max George that enabled them to win at the Principality Stadium on try count after the game against Ystalyfera had ended in a 16-16 draw.
That made up for their defeat the previous year against Bedlinog when they had the trophy snatched from their grasp by a drop goal with the last kick of the match. Now they will be aiming for a third final in a row as they seek to make it a hat-trick of triumphs to add to their wins in 2012 and 2017.
Ystalyfera will also kick-off with a home game, against Cwmavon, while the draw will also include the two teams from last season’s WRU National Plate final following their promotions last season.
Amman United enjoyed a spectacular season as they won the Plate and Division 3 West B without losing a game. They had a little help from former Ospreys, Wales and British & Irish Lions wing Shane Williams in the final at the Principality Stadium as he joined his brother in the winning side.
They will host Carmarthen Athletic as they move up a grade, while Caerphilly, who they beat 43-31 in the final, will start with a home contest against Croesyceiliog.
WRU NATIONAL PLATE – ROUND 1
(Matches to be played the weekend of 7 October, 2017)
Aberavon Quins v Nantymoel
Abercarn v Nantyglo
Aberdare v Llanharan
Abertillery BG v Ynysybwl
Amman United v Carmarthen Athletic
Bala v Ruthin
Blaenavon v Caerleon
Blackwood v Cwmbran
Bridgend Athletic v Bonymaen
Builth Wells v Brynamman
Caernarfon v Pwllheli
Caerphilly v Croesyceiliog
Caldicot v Pill Harriers
Cambrian Welfare v Abercynon
Cardiff Quins v Mountain Ash
Clwb Rygbi Cymry Caerdydd v Glamorgan Wanderers
Colwyn Bay v Dolgellau
Cwmgors v Morriston
Felinfoel v Dunvant
Fishguard & Goodwick v Penclawdd
Garndiffaith v Brecon
Gilfach Goch v Rumney
Hartridge v Brynmawr
Hendy v Gowerton
Kidwelly v Loughor
Llandudno v Mold
Llanelli Wanderers v Tenby United
Llangefni v Bethesda
Llangennech v Gorseinon
Llantrisant v Penarth
Llantwit Fardre v Cilfynydd
Llanybydder v Crymych
Maesteg v Penlan
Maesteg Celtic v Ammanford
Maesteg Quins v Kenfig Hill
Mumbles v Aberystwyth
Nant Conwy v Bro Ffestiniog
Nelson v Talywain
Penallta v Risca
Pencoed v Taibach
Pontarddulais v Tycroes
Pontypool United v Ynysddu
Porth Quins v Dinas Powys
Rhiwbina v Barry
Senghenydd v Dowlais
St Clears v Tumble
St Joseph’s v Heol y Cyw
Tondu v Seven Sisters
Treorchy v St Peter’s
Waunarlwydd v Nantyffyllon
Whitland v Pontyberem
Ystalyfera v Cwmavon
Ystradgynlais v Resolven
Ystrad Rhondda v Llanishen
