By Harry Tovey
Newport head coach Tyron Morris has questioned the Welsh Rugby Union’s decision to shut down Super Rygbi Cymru for most of November.
Morris’s Black and Ambers currently sit third in the new semi-professional structure, behind leaders Cardiff and Ebbw Vale.
Newport thrashed RGC, 62-7, the weekend before last to take their points tally to 25 after six matches – one fewer game than the clubs above them.
But there were no matches last weekend ahead of the international series, and there will be none now until November 22, the night before Wales play South Africa, when Bridgend host Carmarthen Quins.
REACTION | The thoughts of Seren y Gêm, Nick Thomas, on today’s impressive 62-7 victory over RGC 1404.#COTP #YmlaenCasnewydd pic.twitter.com/Yi1sRxhioV
— Newport RFC 1️⃣5️⃣0️⃣ (@NewportRFC) October 26, 2024
It means by the time Newport welcome league strugglers Swansea to Newport Stadium on December 14, the club will have gone almost 50 days with just a single home fixture.
That match comes after the current four-week break, when Newport will play their one home match in November – against Carmarthen Quins on November 30 – after travelling to fellow Gwent side Ebbw Vale on the same day as Wales host the Springboks at the Principality Stadium.
“I think these planned breaks have the potential to impact every team’s momentum,” insisted Morris.
“It’s something new for all of us this season, so I’m sure some teams will benefit while others may face challenges.
“For us, the timing is helpful as we had two to three players pick up injuries in last week’s game, so this break allows them time to rehab.
“It also gives us a chance to focus on cardio work without the usual wear and tear from Saturday games.”
“But I feel we could have continued through the November break, playing the day before international games.
“I don’t think the A (Super Rygbi Cymru) games would have impacted many teams, and it would have been great for supporters to stay in the rhythm of weekly matches and back their club right through to the new year.
“The cup competition planned for the 12 weeks after Christmas is a great idea, and I’m especially looking forward to that part of the season.”
The new competition’s main aim is to support the development of young players, with Newport helping to provide opportunities to players who it is hoped go on to play for the regional side, the Dragons, in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
“Our club has always been committed to supporting both young development players and senior players by ensuring they get valuable game time,” Morris added.
“We believe we play an important role in helping them grow as players and thrive by providing opportunities to play at a high intensity.
“We’ve contributed to the development of many players who have stepped up to the next level, including promising young talents like Nick Thomas, George Young, Che Hope, and Barney Langton-Cryer.
“Recently, we’ve also given senior players Will Reed and Josh Reynolds some invaluable game time over the past two weeks.
“Our connections are as strong as they’ve been over the past three to four seasons, thanks largely to the outstanding work Sam Hobbs did before stepping into his senior coaching role with the Dragons,” he added.
The runners-up from last season’s Indigo Premiership have made an impressive start to the new league, winning five of their six opening games.
The Black and Ambers have put aside Bridgend Ravens (41-22), Swansea (35-27), Aberavon (29-19), and Rygbi Gogledd Cymru (62-7).
The two defeats have come narrowly to last year’s double champions Llandovery (30-28) and Pontypool (17-14).
“We’ve been excellent at problem-solving on the field and have found ways to win, even when certain parts of our game haven’t functioned as planned,” said Morris on the Black and Ambers’ start to the season.
“This shows our maturity and adaptability, as we’re able to pause during games, adjust our approach, and do what’s needed to secure the win.
“Our attack hasn’t reached the level we’ve aimed for, largely due to frequent changes in partnerships across the team, particularly in our half-backs.
“However, last Saturday’s game against RGC showcased a more well-rounded performance, where we dominated both up front and in open play.”
That day, winger Lloyd Lewis picked up a hat-trick and Elliot Frewen scored a brace. Also crossing the whitewash were Joshua Skinner, Che Hope, Ioan Davies and David Richards.
On the new era of domestic rugby in Wales and if it has improved the standard of rugby, Morris added: “Honestly, not really. The overall level of rugby has remained quite steady.
“I haven’t noticed an increase in academy players getting game time compared to previous seasons, which might change, but with smaller senior regional squads, there could be limitations on how many young players are able to play regularly at our level.
“One noticeable improvement, though, has been the officiating.
“There’s a clear development mindset among the referees this season, and they’ve shown more engagement in aligning with how we want the game to be played and perceived,” Morris concluded.