Future Ospreys stars to play home games at The Gnoll

Ospreys Rugby has confirmed that its age grade sides — the youth and development squads — will call The Gnoll home for the 2025/26 campaign.

The move deepens the partnership between Ospreys and Neath RFC, with both clubs stressing their commitment to developing young talent and supporting communities across the region.

Building links off the pitch

Ospreys said the decision builds on existing connections with Neath RFC.

The club’s community arm already runs a weekly Sporting Memories group at The Gnoll, helping older people living with dementia, depression or loneliness through sport‑based reminiscence and social engagement.

Linda Daniel, who manages the Ospreys’ age grade teams and also sits on the Neath RFC board, has been credited with helping to unite the two organisations through shared purpose and collaboration.

Players and coaches involved

The partnership also extends to the playing and coaching staff.

Ospreys hooker Sam Parry has joined Neath RFC’s coaching team, while academy players will be allocated to Neath throughout the season to gain competitive experience.

Ospreys said this will provide “invaluable development opportunities” for young players as they progress through the regional pathway.

“Fantastic stage for the next generation”

In the official announcement, Ospreys chief executive Lance Bradley described The Gnoll as an ideal venue for the region’s rising stars.

“The partnership with Neath RFC represents everything we want to achieve as a region by developing young talent, supporting our communities, and building sustainable rugby pathways,” he said. “The Gnoll has a proud history and provides a fantastic stage for our next generation to grow and perform.”

Following the statement, Bradley also posted on X to underline the importance of Neath to the Ospreys region.

“It’s great that we’re working closely with @neathrfc again. Neath is such an important part of the region,” he wrote.

Neath proud of rugby heritage

Neath RFC’s Head of Rugby Lyn Jones said the town’s tradition makes it a natural home for the Ospreys’ youth fixtures.

“For a town with such a rich rugby heritage, it’s imperative that Neath once again provides the foundations for the success of our Region and Welsh rugby,” he said. “We’re proud to help bridge the gap between community and professional rugby. The Gnoll, the Neath brand, and our districts should always be the hotbed for developing young Welsh talent.”

Season memberships include fixtures

Ospreys confirmed that all age grade fixtures at The Gnoll will be included in season memberships, giving supporters the chance to watch the region’s future stars in action throughout the campaign.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Cricket not viable in new look St Helen’s
Glamorgan chief executive Dan Cherry rules out cricket at St Helen’s as Ospreys prepare to move in for the 2025/26 season.

Planning approved for Ospreys’ redevelopment of St Helen’s
Work set to begin this autumn on transforming the historic Swansea ground into a new home for elite and community rugby.

Done deal – Ospreys finalise St Helen’s lease
Ospreys confirm long-term move to St Helen’s Sports Ground from 2026/27, with interim fixtures at Brewery Field.

Ospreys submit planning application for St Helen’s stadium
Official plans lodged for redevelopment of Swansea’s iconic venue as part of the region’s future strategy.

#AgeGradeTeam #developmentTeam #GnollPark #LanceBradley #Neath #NeathRFC #Ospreys #Rugby #TheGnoll #youthRugby

Siwan Lillicrap awarded honorary degree by Swansea University

The 37-year-old was presented with an honorary Master of Science (MSc) on Friday 25 July during the university’s summer graduation ceremony at the Swansea Building Society Arena.

Lillicrap’s journey to the international stage began at Waunarlwydd RFC, where she spent her childhood watching her father coach and her brother play. With no junior girls’ team available at the time, she waited until she was 17 to join the women’s side — making her debut just two weeks later.

A former pupil of Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, Lillicrap studied sports science at Swansea University, graduating in 2009 while continuing to play for Waunarlwydd. Her club career flourished with stints at Neath RFC, Swansea RFC, and Ospreys Women, before moving to Bristol Bears in 2020 and Gloucester-Hartpury in 2022.

She earned her first cap for Wales during the 2016 Women’s Six Nations and was named national captain in 2019, leading the team through multiple campaigns including the 2021 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. In total, she earned 51 caps for her country before retiring from international rugby in November 2022.

Alongside her playing career, Lillicrap served as head of rugby at Swansea University from 2017 to 2022, overseeing more than 300 players across the men’s and women’s programmes and helping to foster an inclusive and high-performing rugby community.

In March 2022, she made history by becoming the first female player to sign a professional contract with the Welsh Rugby Union. She now leads the WRU’s women’s performance pathway, supporting the development of under-18 and under-20 players, and regularly appears as a commentator and pundit for the BBC.

Siwan Lillicrap said:

“I am truly honoured to receive this award from Swansea University. The university holds a special place in my heart due to the many positive experiences I’ve had here, both as a student and as a staff member.

It has always been an innovative, passionate, and caring institution — one that allowed me to thrive and grow. Receiving this award fills me with great pride, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with Swansea University again in the future.”

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea University celebrates summer graduation 2025
Thousands of students and guests gather at Swansea Building Society Arena for week-long ceremonies.

WRU announces new leadership for women’s performance pathway
Siwan Lillicrap appointed to oversee development of under-18 and under-20 squads.

#honoraryDegree #NeathRFC #OspreysWomen #Rugby #SiwanLillicrap #SwanseaRFC #SwanseaUniversity #WaunarlwyddRFC #YsgolGyfunGwyr

"I apologise for any offence caused" is not an apology

#misogyny #NeathRFC #rugby #Cymru #Wales

Neath rugby club owner apologises after backlash over sexist match advertisement

On Monday evening Neath RFC posted details on social media of a match against Llangennech set to take place under the lights at the Gnoll stadium on March 28th. It quoted – “This one isn’t for the faint-hearted, this one isn’t for the half-committed, this one is definitely not for girls!”

The post included an image of Neath RFC players with a slogan in pink stamped across it stating the match was “not for girls”.

The club received a backlash online from social media users who branded the advisement sexist and mysogynistic.

Gower MP Tonia Antoniazzi called for the post to be taken down and called on Neath RFC to issue an apology saying:

“Disappointing for a club with such a great history and legacy which has inspired so many women and girls to want to play and have played!

“Be good to see it taken down with an apology @neathrfc.”

Sports reporter Beth Fisher called on the WRU to carry out an investigation into the club’s messaging, she said:

“This tweet has been deleted but a full investigation by the WRU should take place into how @neathrfc think it’s acceptable in 2025 to post this type of disgusting sexist messaging.”

Neath RFC have since deleted the post from its social media channels.

Shadow Secretary for Sport, Gareth Davies likened the club’s post to “Yorkie bar-style sexism” he said:

“For Neath RFC to post such a comment, especially during the same week as International Women’s Day, is not just ill-judged but completely unacceptable.

“At a time when the WRU is working to address the deep-seated issues of misogyny within the organisation and the sport, language like this only undermines those efforts and damages the cause of inclusivity in rugby.

“We have moved beyond the outdated, Yorkie bar-style sexism of the past, and the club must recognise that such comments are not just inappropriate but harmful.

“They must take responsibility, address the attitudes behind this remark, and show that rugby is a sport that welcomes everyone.”

The club’s owner Matty Young has since issued an apology this morning which said:

“To respond to our recent post, I sincerely apologise for any offence caused. That was never my intention and in no way flects any attitudes within Neath RFC.

“I take full ownership as the club owner and author of the post. The idea from the start was to shine a light on the casual misogyny that still exists in parts of rugby and, more importantly, to champion the incredible women and girls’ rugby players who represent our club with passion, skill, and dedication.

“I now recognise that the initial post did not effectively convey this message, and for that, lam sorry. I would also like to apologise to Llangennech RFC, who had no prior knowledge that this was our opening strategy. We look forward to welcoming them to The Gnoll.

“In light of the response, I have decided to delay the release of the intended follow-up videos to take the time to reflect, listen, and ensure that we are delivering the right message in a way that fully aligns with our values as a club-one that is committed to inclusivity, respect, and the celebration of women’s rugby.

“Most importantly, I want to make sure this message comes from the women and girls of our club, in their voices.

“I can categorically assure you that our commitment to women’s rugby remains steadfast, and we will continue to champion all participation in rugby.”

A Welsh Rugby Union spokesperson said:

“We asked Neath to remove the post as soon as possible and of course do not condone the sentiment it contained.”

#featured #GnollStadium #Neath #NeathRFC #Rugby #Sexism