Football and rugby union are joining forces in Merthyr Tydfil.

The Martyrs, a Southern League Premier club, are linking up with Merthyr RFC.

It is the first partnership between The Martyrs and The Ironmen and will benefit season ticket holders for both clubs.

Any season ticket holder for Merthyr Town will only have to pay £5 entry to watch Merthyr RFC at The Wern during the 2017-18 season. The same deal will be in place for Merthyr RFC season ticket holders if they wish to visit Penydarren Park during the season.

“Sport has always been at the heart of our Town,” says a statement issued by both. “What could be better than when Merthyr’s two biggest sporting clubs work together to give the community more opportunity to watch quality sport.

“A number of possibilities have been discussed, and talks will continue on a regular basis to find ways of how the clubs can work together on different projects and ideas.

“Season tickets must be produced on the turnstile to benefit from the new ticket deal.”

The Martyrs have played three pre-season matches also far, winning 3-1 against Penydarren and 6-2 against Treharris before going down 3-1 at Cambrian BGC.

Their next test is against Newport County at Penydarren Park on Wednesday (7.30pm).

That is a ‘pay what you want’ fixture when spectators can hand over any amount of cash at the turnstiles.

Merthyr have been incorporating younger squad players in their teams so far, but face a stern test against League Two Newport County.

Merthyr Town’s remaining pre-season games

July

Wednesday 19: Newport County (H) 7:30pm

Saturday 22: Penrhiwfer AFC away (A, Merthyr Town XI)

Tuesday 25: Penybont (A)

Wednesday 26: Caerau Ely (H, Merthyr Town XI)

Saturday 29: Cardiff Met University (A)

August

Saturday 5: Hednesford Town (H)

Wednesday 9: Pontlottyn AFC (A, Merthyr Town XI)