Maesteg Harlequins RFC v Pontypool RFC

The road to hopeful promotion begins here as Pontypool RFC get their season up and running with a trip to Maesteg Harlequins RFC.

Pooler kicked off last season against the same opponents at Pontypool Park and enjoyed 42-3 victory but defence coach Andrew Quick is expecting an incredibly tough encounter at the South Parade Playing Fields.

The last visit there saw Leighton Jones’ men come from behind to claim a battling 19-9 triumph and Quick believes it could be another tight game.

“We last went down there a few years ago and we had a really tough game down there,” he said.

“They are a strong side and we know we are going to be in for a tough game but we’ve prepared as well as we can and we’re looking forward to the challenges that this season brings.

“We know they are a very physical side in their own backyard so we are fully aware of the challenge before us.

“We’re looking forward to it and embracing it.

“It’s going to be a tough shift but if the boys bring the right attitude, focus and mentality then we’ve got enough in the locker to do well.”

All eyes are very firmly on the prize with the Welsh Rugby Union confirming that promotion is on the cards for those who finish in the top two and Quick feels the club is in a really strong position to finally make that step up.

“The club has got ambitions to get to the [Indigo] Premiership, it’s nice that the WRU has finally put their statement out and acknowledged the fact there is promotion this season so it’s all to play for,” Quick continued.

“The last few years have been very difficult for everyone but we are focusing on ourselves, and on what we can do.

“As a club moving forward, we have plans and aspirations and we are fully aware what this season means and what we have to do to achieve it.

“We’ve got a very good squad, not taking away from the fact that in years gone by we’ve had good squads as well.

“We’ve lost some experienced players over the years but I think our recruitment has been very good.

“We’ve got a lot of young lads in the mix this year and we’ve still got our senior group as well. It’s a good balance.”

History is on Pooler's side with a perfect record in the four games we have played against Maesteg Harlequins so far.

Four new signings come straight into the starting XV to try and keep that run going. Flanker Callum Davies makes his second debut while prop Kelvyn Williams, winger Deon Smith and full-back Huw Anderson are also in the team.

Ashley Sweet will captain the side as he partners Adam Brown in the second row while the likes of Joel Mahoney, Pat Lewis and Matthew Jarvis are all involved as well.

Summer arrivals Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, Tom Piper and Dan Babos make the bench.