Pontypridd v Bargoed – Match Preview
On Saturday 31st January Pontypridd RFC welcome Bargoed RFC to Sardis Road in the Admiral Premiership, the match kicks off at 2:30pm.
Ponty travelled to Bargoed Park to play Bargoed just under four months ago on Saturday 4th October 2025, and came away with a bonus-point win. The victorious 28-11 scoreline only told half the tale with the Valley Commandos having to battle hard all match, but it was their dominance in the final quarter of the contest that ultimately decided the final outcome.
The last time Ponty played Bargoed at Sardis Road was on the opening day of last season, and it was the Valley Commandos who triumphed by 34 points to 19. However, Bargoed’s last visit to Sardis Road came only last Saturday in the Welsh Cup semi-final against Merthyr. It was a contest that went down to the wire, but unfortunately for he men from the Rhymney Valley they fell short by just three points, 19-16 the final score.
Pontypridd’s last match was a bonus-point win over Llangennech two Saturdays ago. But despite that victory the team have fallen a place and head into tomorrow’s match second in the league, two points behind Beddau. Bargoed currently occupy 6th position and will be looking to close the gap to the top four – it’s all to play for, c’mon the Pont!
TEAM NEWS:
Ponty have made five changes to the starting XV that took on Llangennech a fortnight ago – three in the backs and two in the forwards. In addition to the changes in the starting line-up, there are also three new faces amongst the replacements, two of which could make their debuts for the club.
In the backline two of the three changes are returns to the starting XV for Rhodri Smith at fullback and George Thorrington on the left wing. The other new face is an old one – Tommy Morgan returns to the club on permit from Bridgend Ravens having made 23 appearances for Pontypridd during the 2022-23 campaign.
There are returns in the pack for Joe Miles in the second row and Iestyn Harris at no.8.
The three new faces in the matchday squad on the bench are Iwan Griffith, Finian Murray and Aneurin James. Finian is a 21 year old Irish prop who has joined the club on a permanent basis from Buccaneers RFC, whilst Aneurin is on permit from Pontypool and can play both at hooker and in the backrow.
There’s also a personal milestone for Joe Davies – Joe will make his 50th Pontypridd appearance tomorrow afternoon – what a player!
The Pontypridd team selected to play Bargoed is as follows:
15. Rhodri Smith. 14. Joe Davies. 13. Stuart Floyd-Ellis. 12. Tommy Morgan. 11. George Thorrington. 10. Logan Jones. 9. Joel Raikes.
1. Ben Drew. 2. Louis Tovey. 3. Kian Mattravers. 4. Lloyd Riley. 5. Joe Miles. 6. Cai James. 7. Cally James (c). 8. Iestyn Harris.
Subs: 16. Connah Hughes. 17. Dan Cotterell. 18. Finian Murray. 19. Mitch Barnard. 20. Jordan Coxley. 21. Aneurin James. 22. Lloyd Dennett. 23. Iwan Griffith.
FORMER PLAYERS ASSOCIATION AGM – This will take place in the Bob Penberthy Clubhouse Lounge and will commence at 12:30pm – Former Players Association AGM – Saturday 31st January
SUPPORTER INFORMATION:
Tickets – Admission on Saturday will be £12 full, £10 concession access-all-areas and under 16’s free if accompanied by a paying adult. You can purchase tickets on the day or to save time (which is recommended to miss the queues) you can use our online e-Ticket system, here’s the link which includes all our different packages – e-Tickets – Pontypridd v Bargoed 31/1/2026
Supporter access is via the Clubhouse end of the ground only – the ground and bars will be open from midday onwards, so come and join us for some pre and post match refreshments.
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