Opening Day Defeat
Newport 34 RGC 25
Saturday 12th September 2026
RGC suffered an opening-day defeat at Newport, despite putting themselves in good positions both on the field and on the scoreboard. However, errors and decision-making at crucial moments ultimately proved costly.
The opening exchanges were frantic, with penalties traded early. Newport got on the board after just two minutes through Carwyn Penny, before Billy McBryde levelled the scores for RGC.
Newport looked to move the ball with speed and played at a high tempo, while RGC responded with aggressive defence and quick line speed.
Both McBryde and Dion Jones won turnover ball during the opening exchanges and caused Newport problems in transition. There was little space or time to create, making for a frantic first 15 minutes.
RGC looked to get the ball into the wide channels and use their kicking game to get behind the Newport defence.
When another kickable penalty was awarded to the visitors, McBryde made no mistake to put RGC ahead.
The lead did not last long, though. A kind bounce put winger Sam Morgan into space, and he collected the ball, stepped two defenders and raced over for the try. Penny added the conversion.
RGC responded with a sustained attacking spell. After several phases, the pack got close to the line before the ball was moved wide, allowing Sam Williams to crash over for the try. McBryde converted to restore RGC's lead.
Newport were reduced to 14 men when Ed Thompson was shown a yellow card.
However, RGC were unable to take advantage of the extra man. An attempted pass gifted Chay Foster-Smith an interception, and he raced clear to score, with Penny again converting.
Newport were determined to keep the game in the RGC 22, and a knock-on from the visitors as they looked to break gave the home side possession, territory and momentum.
Newport went close again but knocked on with the line in sight.
Despite being a man down, Newport appeared to find more space than they had with a full complement, and RGC were unable to change the narrative during a 10-minute spell that was played almost entirely inside their own half.
As the clock approached half-time, Newport kicked a penalty to the corner with Thompson returning to the field. They backed themselves up front, with Ethan Phillips getting the ball over the line. Penny added the extras to give Newport a 24-13 lead at the break.
RGC started the second half down to 14 men, with Delwyn Jones shown a yellow card.
Unlike RGC in the first half, Newport took advantage of the extra man. A cross-field kick found Finlay Baker, who managed to touch down in the corner.
RGC continued to ask questions. McBryde fired a long pass wide, with Jac Williams showing his pace before finding Osian Burt as RGC moved closer to the try line. However, Newport did enough at the breakdown to win the turnover.
Penalties began to go RGC's way, but they struggled to find the platform needed to build sustained attacks or execute the crucial pass. Credit to the visitors, though, as they continued to ask questions and move forward.
Eventually, RGC got their reward when the ball was moved wide and McBryde finished in the corner. His conversion attempt struck the post.
Both sides continued to trade possession, with loose passes and kicks preventing either team from building sustained pressure as the game entered its final quarter.
RGC again worked themselves into a promising attacking position, only for a lineout to go astray. A pass then failed to go to hand, allowing Newport to break downfield after being under pressure.
Once inside the RGC 22, Newport came away with another score, with the pack driving over from a lineout and Henry Palmer emerging with the try.
Morgan Dryhurst-Jones then got his hands on a loose ball and raced downfield, only to be chased down before he could finish the break.
Newport were reduced to 14 men again when Sam Morgan was shown a yellow card.
RGC continued to push until the final whistle and got their reward late on when Sam Williams crossed for his second try of the afternoon from close range. McBryde converted to give the travelling support something to cheer as the game came to an end.
Despite the defeat, there were plenty of positive moments for RGC, but the visitors will know that better execution and decision-making in key moments could have changed the outcome.
RGC v Carmarthen Quins on Saturday 19th September, at Stadiwm Eirias.
Last week to purchase a season ticket