As Storm Darragh battered the UK back at the beginning of December 2024, rugby took a back seat with fixtures postponed right across the country.
Our fixture against Swansea RFC is now due to take place tomorrow evening, at St Helen’s, in more Spring-like conditions!
Prop James Newnian retains the captain’s armband, leading from the front alongside hooker Lewis Morgan and tighthead prop Ifan James.
Experienced locks Josh Helps and Lee Taylor link up in the second row, with flanker Iestyn Richards making just his thirds competitive start this season. Tom Curry and Lewys Millin, with 223 appearances between them, add a wealth of experience to the backrow.
In the backline, there’s an exciting return to rugby for Scarlets winger Tomi Lewis. The 26-year-old looked in fine form scoring two tries in last season’s Judgement Day victory over the Dragons, before suffering an Achilles injury.
He’s joined in the backline by three fellow Scarlets, centre Gabe McDonald, outside half Ellis Payne and scrum half Archie Hughes.
Iestyn Gwilliams moves from the wing to outside centre, Eilir George retains his place at fullback whilst Louis Rees makes his first appearance of 2025 on the wing.
The team to face Swansea on Friday, 7th February, at St Helen’s:
15 Eilir George, 14 Louis Rees, 13 Iestyn Gwilliam, 12 Gabe McDonald*, 11 Tomi Lewis*, 10 Ellis Payne*, 9 Archie Hughes*
1 James Newnian (C), 2 Lewis Morgan, 3 Ifan James, 4 Josh Helps, 5 Lee Taylor, 6 Iestyn Richards, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Lewys Millin
Replacements: 16 Gruff Williams, 17 Rhys Fawcett, 18 Isaac Young*, 19 Iestyn Wood, 20 Ryan Bean, 21 Ifan Davies, 22 Lucca Setaro, 23 Elis Price*
