Match Preview: RGC head to Cardiff
Date: 6 December 2025
Venue: Cardiff Arms Park
Recent Form – Cardiff RFC
- Cardiff 21–24 Swansea (L)
- Newport 19–12 Cardiff (L)
- Cardiff 37–28 Llandovery (W)
- Cardiff 31–3 Pontypool (W)
Cardiff 45–26 Aberavon (W)
H2H Summary in the league
- 13.09 — RGC 31–47 Cardiff
- 08.02 — Cardiff 34–26 RGC
- 2024 — RGC 25–32 Cardiff
- 2023 — RGC 14–9 Cardiff
2023 — Cardiff 35–17 RGC
Cardiff have dominated the fixture in recent years, winning four of the last five meetings, though RGC have shown they can grind out results in tight contests.
Cardiff - Last time out
Cardiff enter this weekend’s fixture on the back of a difficult defeat at home, as Swansea produced a dramatic late comeback to snatch victory at the Arms Park.
Replacement scrum-half Ellis Lewis scored twice in the space of a minute to overturn Cardiff’s lead and condemn the hosts to their second home loss of the season. Earlier scores from Ethan Lloyd, Alun Rees (a brace), and six points from Steff Crimp had put Cardiff in control, but the visitors’ late surge proved decisive.
The evening also included a moment of reflection as Cardiff remembered former player Mike Watkins, who sadly passed away this week. Watkins made 118 appearances for the club and represented the Barbarians, Crawshays Welsh XV, and Monmouthshire. His contribution to Welsh rugby will be fondly remembered.
Story of the Game
Cardiff started brightly with strong defensive moments from Craig Hudd and creative breaks from Osian Darwin-Lewis and Dewi Cross. After early pressure, Swansea struck first through Harvey James, but Cardiff responded with two well-constructed maul tries from Alun Rees, taking his personal tally to over 210 points for the club.
A well-worked try finished by Ethan Lloyd extended the lead before the break, sending Cardiff in 21–5 ahead.
The second half, however, became disjointed. Handling errors, ill-discipline, and multiple yellow cards disrupted Cardiff’s rhythm. Swansea edged their way back through Iwan Shenton, before Ellis Lewis’s rapid double completed an incredible turnaround.
Final score: Cardiff 21–24 Swansea
Player Thoughts: Jac Petch-Jones
RGC hooker Jac Petch-Jones spoke about the squad’s energy and preparation heading into a busy December:
“We’ve had a couple of weeks off — a chance to rest and refocus before a big run of games in December. Form-wise, we’ve picked up two wins on the road and now have the chance to make it three on Saturday. It’s always a tough trip to the capital, but it’s a great opportunity to start this December block with a win.
From a players’ perspective, the break was valuable. The boys have come back into training sharp, competitive, and ready to go again. When we look back at the games we’ve lost, it’s often come down to our own performance levels and giving teams simple opportunities. The challenge for us is to hit our full capacity and stay there. If we do that, we give ourselves every chance.”
Summary
Cardiff will be looking to bounce back after a frustrating loss, while RGC arrive refreshed looking to pick up a 3rd away victory of the season. With both teams eager to start December strongly, this fixture has all the ingredients for another intense and closely fought contest at the Arms Park.