In one of the busiest days of the season for Welsh rugby league, there’s so much to enjoy throughout Wales today, and even over the border in England too.
There’s a triple header of rugby league action in Abertillery with two internationals and one representative match. First up is the encounter between Wales U16 and their England Lions counterparts which kicks off at noon. Wales did the double over England last season so will want to keep up that record in front of what will be a large home crowd.
At 2pm, there’s a development game between East Wales and West Wales at U14 level. It’s the return fixture between the two sides who last met in Dunvant in March when East won 16-10.
Finally for this particular venue, at 4pm it’s the turn of Wales U18 to match up against the English. Wales will be looking for a win against England at this age-group for the first time in a decade. Admission to the whole day is £5 adults, £3 concessions and free for children.
Up in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf face The Brooksbank School in the inspiresport Champion Schools Year 10 Girls Final – part of a feast of entertainment at Betfred Super League’s Magic Weekend. Last year, Glantaf became the first Welsh girls’ team to win a Champion Schools trophy thanks to an 18-10 victory against a talented Archbishop Sentamu side in the Year 9 Final.
The WRL men’s league enters its second week with matches in North and South Wales kicking off at 2.30pm. In the North, Conwy Celts host Flintshire Falcons at Flint RFC. Conwy are kicking off their season but Flintshire will want to bounce back after a shock opening-round defeat against Clwyd Cobras a fortnight ago.
Cardiff Blue Dragons also play their first game of the season. At Sully Sport and Social, they host South Wales Jets who had a large opening day win against Torfaen Tigers last week. Rhondda Outlaws were due to host Aberavon Fighting Irish but the match has been postponed as one of their goalposts was disgracefully vandalised and the council have been unable to fix them before the weekend.
Over the other side of the city, Cardiff Demons host Golden Ferns in their opening Women’s Super League South match. Kick-off at Cardiff University Sports Park in Llanrumney is 2pm. The Demons are in fantastic form this season and are two games from Wembley having got through the opening rounds of the Challenge Cup. They’ve also qualified for the finals day of the Women’s Super League Nines.
In Wheelchair Rugby League, Torfaen Tigers travel to Leominster Leisure Centre to face Hereford Harriers in the second of their three-match series in the English League system. Hereford won in the first game 44-14 back in April. Both sides will go into the WRL Development League from August.
North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair are also on the road as they travel to Wigan Warriors A. This is another return match with Wigan proving to be Crusaders’ closest opponents this season so far, the Welsh winning 68-54 in Deeside in March, as they aim for their tenth win in a row.
The North Wales Crusaders men’s side are also in action as they travel to London Skolars with a 2pm kick-off. Crusaders men are looking for their third win on the bounce having recently seen off Midlands Hurricanes and Cornwall.
Good luck to all sides. Please check clubs’ social media outlets for any changes before you travel to support and we’ll also endeavor to post updates on our official channels.