PREVIEW: RGC 1404 v Merthyr Sunday 8 September, 2:30pm
MERTHYR will parade three of their summer signings in Colwyn Bay today when they launch their bid to match the record-breaking achievements of Neath and Pontypridd in winning four Premiership titles in a row.
Among the trio is former RGC wing Sam Jones, who has headed south after catching the eye with his try scoring ability in recent seasons.
Joining him in making his Premiership debut for the Ironmen will be ex- Ebbw Vale outside half Rhys Jones and the former Scarlets, Exeter Chiefs and Blues lock Damien Welch.
The game will also see the return at scrum half of Justin James, who missed the run in to the hat-trick of titles last season after breaking his leg. It will also be a big occasion for the new RGC head coach, Matt Silva, who has taken over the reins from Mark Jones for the new campaign. Rob Sidoli is holding the fort for Merthyr while their head coach Dale McIntosh is away assisting Phil Davies as the forwards coach to Namibia at the World Cup.
“RGC have played some great rugby over the years and they average four tries per game. My challenge is to take that up to five or six and get some improvement,” said Silva.
