Llandovery kick off new Super Rygbi Cymru at Pontypool

Welsh rugby's revamped second tier kicks off at Pontypool on Thursday night, with double-winning Llandovery the visitors to launch Super Rygbi Cymru.

The new 10-team competition has replaced the old 13-club Indigo Premiership.

The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) says the aim is to bridge the gap between age-grade and regional rugby, providing academy players with higher standard matches and more frequent playing opportunities.

"What a way to kick-off what is going to be a brand new start for Welsh rugby at this level," said Llandovery head coach Euros Evans.

"It is really exciting and I’m sure the Pooler fans will be baying for our blood as champions."

Llandovery and Pontypool are joined in the competition by Aberavon, Bridgend, Cardiff, Carmarthen Quins, Ebbw Vale, Newport, RGC and Swansea.

Each club will play 18 home and away league fixtures in a regular season before progressing to play-off rounds and a grand final.

The opening weekend also sees last year's runners-up Newport kick off at home against a Bridgend side coached by former Ospreys and Wales hooker Scott Baldwin.

The 10 clubs will also play in a Super Rygbi Cymru cup competition, which coincides with the men's SIx Nations.

Each side will play two home and two away games in two pools of five - the winners to meet in the final.

And there will also be a further trophy up for grabs throughout the season, with the new SRC Challenge Shield.

Similar to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield, the ‘holder’ will put up the accolade for competition in every home game in the regular league season.

If the challenger beats them, they will become the new holder of the shield and required to defend it at their next home game.

Llandovery, who boast an 18-match home winning streak, will make the first defence of the Shield in their opening home game against Ebbw Vale on 5 October.

"The SRC Challenge Shield is a nice addition and will add extra spice to games over the course of the season," said Evans.

"We talk a lot about turning our Church Bank ground into a fortress and we were very proud to be unbeaten at home last season."

The WRU says they are investing more than £1m into Super Rygbi Cymru per season, while clubs will match the £105,000 they each receive from central funding.

There will be an annual salary cap of £150,000, although there will be exemptions for injuries, dual-contracted players and recently released regional players.

John Alder, WRU head of player development said: "The new SRC competition marks a fresh start for the 10 clubs, our four regions and the WRU in collectively creating a vibrant, unique and exciting domestic league for players, clubs and fans.

"Fans can expect to see our most promising senior academy players cutting their teeth regularly in the league alongside established and well-known players, supported by an ambitious and committed group of coaches across the clubs."

Super Rygbi Cymru - opening round fixtures

Thursday, 12 September

Pontypool RFC v Llandovery (19:30 BST)

Saturday, 14 September

RGC v Cardiff RFC (14:30 BST)

Carmarthen Quins v Swansea (14:30 BST)

Ebbw Vale v Aberavon (14:30 BST)

Newport v Bridgend (14:30 BST)