The WRU Championship Cup, Division 2 Cup and Division 3 Cup semi-finals are being contested, after which six more sides will join Llandovery, Merthyr, Llanelli Wanderers, Glynneath, Tonna, Newport Saracens, Dinas Powys and Seven Sisters at the club finals at #RTP24 next month.
Three of the four sides in the Championship Cup semi-finals are all bidding to return to the Principality Stadium and determined to go one better after cup final heartache at the iconic venue in recent times.
Two seasons ago, Bargoed surrendered a 10-point half time lead before they were narrowly edged out 16-13 by Neath in the Championship Cup final.
They face a Bedwas side who, earlier on that same day in 2022, were defeated by a last-minute Trebanos penalty in the Championship Plate final, losing 23-21.
Newbridge RFC hosts the semi-final showdown – which was one of Bargoed’s victory stops en route to the semi-finals, also seeing off Cross Keys and Llangennech.
Bedwas have beaten St Peters, avenged Trebanos and triumphed over Brecon to reach this stage.
Meanwhile last season’s beaten finalists Ystrad Rhondda are aiming to go one better having lost last season’s cup showpiece 28-16 against double winning ‘Invincibles’ Pontypool.
However, to remain on course to achieve that, they must do what no other side has done so far this season – beat Narberth.
The Otters, currently top of Admiral Championship West, have a proud 100 per cent record this season, winning all 17 league matches and two earlier rounds in the cup against Crymych and Rumney.
Dunvant RFC, who Narbarth were given a walkover against in the last round, host the semi-final.
Porthcawl have happy memories of their last visit to the Principality Stadium having lifted the National Bowl there in 2018.
Division Two West Central counterparts Aberavon Quins stand between the Seaweeds and a return to the capital early next month with the two sides locking horns at Tonmawr RFC for a place in the Division Two Cup final.
It’s one win apiece between the sides this season; Porthcawl ran out 15-9 victors in November with Quins victorious 22-6 in the most recent meeting on 2 March.
In the other semi, Penarth lock horns with 2022 National Bowl winners Llanharan at the Bridgefield in Bedwas.
The Dairymen sit top of Two East Central with 16 wins out of 16 including home and away victories over Penarth this term.
Meanwhile Bryncethin will bid to reach the Principality for the third time in as many years when they tackle Blaina at Penarth RFC in the Division Three Cup.
Bryncethin beat Nantyglo to lift the Division Four Cup last season while the year before reached the National Bowl Final but lost out to Llanharan. Fairwater or Cardiff Quins – who meet in the other semi at Llandaff RFC – await the winners.
Saturday, 23 March – #RTP24 Championship Cup Semi-Finals
Bargoed v Bedwas (Newbridge, 2.30pm)
Narberth v Ystrad Rhondda (Dunvant, 2.30pm)
Saturday, 23 March – #RTP24 Division 2 Cup Semi-Finals
Aberavon Quins v Porthcawl (Tonmawr, 2.30pm)
Penarth v Llanharan (Bedwas, 2.30pm)
Saturday, 23 March – #RTP24 Division 3 Cup Semi-Finals
Bryncethin v Blaina (Penarth, 2.30pm)
Fairwater v Cardiff Quins (Llandaff, 2.30pm)
