Countdown to historic pre season games at the Gnoll begins.

10th July 2008

Countdown to historic pre season games at the Gnoll begins.

Four times Principality Premier Champions Neath Rugby will soon be sharing their world famous sporting venue, the Gnoll, with local football side Neath AFC.

The Eagles kick off their pre season campaign in mid July against newly promoted Championship side, Swansea City.
This will be the first football game ever to be played at the John Smith's Gnoll and the pitch is shaping up for the Neath v Swansea thriller which takes place on Wednesday 16th July.

The game will be an ideal opportunity for followers of sport in the Neath community to come to the Gnoll for this momentous occasion. The Swans faithful are also expected to come out in force to see Roberto Martinez's new squad in action for the first time.

Neath Rugby squad members will also be in attendance with their pre season campaign kicking off 3 weeks later at the Gnoll.

The Welsh All Blacks will warm up for their Principality League campaign at the Gnoll on August 7th, with a mouth-watering fixture against Gunnies premiership side Saracens.
The Sarries side is expected to feature well known rugby names such as Andy Farell, Chris Jack and Richard Hill.

General Manager of Neath AFC Andy Dyer has said:

"Wednesday's game against the Swans is a massive occasion for us. Obviously the Gnoll is steeped in history and we are really looking forward to beginning our residency at the Gnoll.
The Swans will be bringing a full squad so the match will also give Swansea City fans the perfect opportunity to see their new look Championship squad in action."

Swans press officer:

Our game against Neath AFC will be the first opportunity for fans to see all our new signings in, in that sense it's a very attractive fixture.

Neath's Director of Rugby Rowland Phillips commented:

‘Many members of the squad are keen to attend the Swans fixture, being football fans themselves. The game will be a historic occasion and it's fantastic that the people of Neath now have a sporting venue that they can attend every weekend to watch either rugby or football.

Our first pre season game kicks off at the Gnoll on August 7th and we are relishing our crunch match against Saracens.
As a club we are always keen to punch above our weight and fixtures like this will only improve our squad's skills and stamina going into the 2008/09 season.'

Ticket Prices for Neath v Swansea City will be:

Adults - £7 all areas

Concession - £3

Under 12s - £3

For football queries please contact 01792 321364 between the hours of 9-5pm