18 Sep Team to face Pontypool at the Park

Bridgend Ravens head to Pontypool on Saturday for their second Super Rygbi Cymru match of the 2026/27 campaign (2:30pm).

Scott Baldwin’s side let a 17pts to 0 lead slip at Aberavon last weekend, falling to a 36pts to 17 defeat at Talbot Athletic Ground, which gave their nearest rivals the perfect start to their season.

It was a different story for Pontypool, who showcased their new squad’s strength with a 43pts to 41 victory over reigning champions Llandovery in an epic at the Park. Evan Lloyd’s final kick of the match secured an impressive victory for Tom Hancock’s side.

It was a win apiece when the sides met last season – Bridgend won 50pts to 27 at the Brewery after a stirring second half comeback, but lost 10pts to 43 at Pontypool Park.

For Saturday’s match, Baldwin makes a handful of changes as Bridgend go in search of their first win of the campaign. Fraser Jones comes in at 15 in the only change to the back line. It’s a different story in the pack, with a fresh front row of Harry Olding, Mckenzie Scales and Nathan Evans. Lewis Jones is the addition to the second row, replacing his Ospreys compatriot Cody-Ray David. Thomas Jevons replaces Zac O’Driscoll in the back row.

There are potential debuts from the replacements bench for Ospreys youngsters Osian Oliver and Nick Fisk-Jones.

Bridgend Ravens XV: 15. Fraser Jones 14. Mccauley Rowley 13. Ryan Conbeer 12. Ryan Wilkins 11. Ben Evans 10. Ben Burnell 9. Harvey Nash

1. Harry Olding 2. Mckenzie Scales 3. Nathan Evans 4. James Richards 5. Lewis Jones 6. Ioan Evans 7. Thomas Jevons (capt) 8. Benji Williams

Replacements: 16. Osian Oliver 17. Alex George 18. Callum Donoghue-Proud 19. Kyle Harris 20. Dan O’Sullivan 21. Iestyn Merriman 22. Nick Fisk-Jones 23. Cameron Ellis