Pontypool RFC v TATA Steel RFC

Pontypool take a break from league action on Saturday when they welcome Tata Steel to Pontypool Park in the first round of the WRU National Cup, kick-off 2.30pm.

The only previous meeting of the two clubs in the cup competition was a 5th round tie at Margam Sports Ground on Saturday 22 December 2001 when Pontypool, having led 9-7 in a closely fought first half, eventually ran out 31-15 winners.

The two clubs have already met in the WRU National Championship this season, at Margam Sports Ground on Saturday 21 October 2017, when “Storm Brian” was the dominant factor that spoilt, what promised to be an entertaining game, as this fixture had produced 274 points and 36 tries in the previous 5 matches at Margam. Nevertheless the referee and players deserved much credit to have played in the most difficult and unpleasant of playing conditions. It was a game that could have gone either way but it was Pooler who prevailed 20-18.

Pontypool's replacements are: Ollie Drake, Craig Price, Lewis Ball, Joel Mahoney, Aaron Quick, Callum Davies, Curtis Gregory, Ben Sparks.