Principality Premiership holders Neath launch their title defence at Glamorgan Wanderers on Saturday with Director of Rugby Patrick Horgan admitting ‘it will be a tough ask.’

“Our goal once again is to defend our title although it’s becoming more difficult every year”, said Horgan. “We’ve had a few changes in the squad and it may take some time for those to bed in, but hopefully we’ll get into our stride in time to vie for one of the top three spots and a chance to get into the play-off final.

“I expect Swansea, Cardiff, Llanelli and Newport will be particularly well-supported by their Regions this season in terms of the players available to them and therefore will be our biggest rivals in terms of our title defence. Pontypridd are always competitive too along with Aberavon.

“As far as our squad is concerned, I’m looking for a big season from Luke Ford who missed most of last season, and Dai Langdon has impressed in our friendly games.

“Arwel Thomas is now a fully paid up member of the coaching team and will coach the backs, Leigh Davies has become our conditioning coach, and Nathan Bonner-Evans will play and coach the forwards along with myself.”

Premiership newcomers Tonmawr can’t wait to get the season started with head coach Jason Hyatt confident his side has what it takes to hold its own in the division.

“The whole squad spent three days at an Army camp in Portsmouth to kick off our pre-season training in early July, with the emphasis being on mental toughness. The players were pushed to their limits and the experience really set them up for the summer conditioning programme,” he said.