All Whites Claim Win

Swansea 40 RGC 35

Saturday 3rd January 2026

RGC produced a thrilling attacking display but were left frustrated at full-time as Swansea held on for a narrow victory in another high-scoring contest, but left with only 2 points

Swansea began strongly, enjoying the best of the opening five minutes and pinning RGC back in their own half. However, once RGC settled, they grew into the game with Dion Jones taking a high ball confidently and launching an attack through Caio Parry.

The breakthrough came when Billy McBryde kicked cleverly to the wing, allowing Caio Parry to collect and score the opening try. McBryde converted to make it 7–0.

RGC continued to build pressure, defending well around the edges and denying Swansea opportunities. A powerful lineout and driving maul then carried RGC over the line, with McBryde appearing to get the try himself before converting to extend the lead to 14–0.

It was clinical from RGC, as they came away with points when they were in the All Whites 22.
The homeside got on the board when they moved the ball well, and centre Joe Thomas went in. Llew O’Brien added the extras.

It was Swanea who were finding space and attacking the gaps but some good work at the breakdown from RGC kept them out. Try number 3 arrived from close range, and it was Billy McQueeney who claimed it, again McBryde added the extras.

Just before the break, Swansea got in again when Joe Thomas took the short pass and got his 2nd. O’Brien converted.

Straight out of the changing rooms, the Gogs had the BP try when Daf Thirsk crashed over and McBryde nudged the conversion.

Swansea cleared the bench with 6 replacements and looked to get some momentum, and the game did shift.  The tries arrived, and the crowd got behind them.

Joe Thomas set up Matt Aubrey from the score, with O’Brien adding the conversion.

Liam Lloyd was in next when Swansea moved the ball wide,  then they took the lead for the 1st time when they shifted from left to right and winger Ieuan Cornelius scored. O’Brien hit the extras.  
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Swansea were on the front foot, RGC were struggling to gain a foothold and the homeside reached 40 points when Thomas grabbed his 3rd try and O’Brien converted. It was a crucial period in the game, one that ultimately gave Swansea the win. They went close again a couple of times, but knocked on at the line, giving RGC a chance to still claim the victory.

Dion Jones sparked an attack, with a run, strong hand off with an offload to winger Sam Jones to score, with McBryde’s conversion closing the gap to 5 points. In the final minutes, RGC went from their own line, over 20 phases and reached the Swansea line, and went close on a couple of occasions to get over, but Swansea managed to keep them out and claim the win.