Aberavon RFC return to the Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday afternoon with plenty to play for, as the Wizards welcome Carmarthen Quins in Round 7 of Super Rygbi Cymru, with winger Frankie Jones set to make his landmark 150th appearance for the club.
The milestone provides a fitting occasion for one of Aberavon’s established attacking threats, but there is also considerable importance attached to the fixture itself, as Chris Davies’ side look to build on an encouraging performance away to Ebbw Vale last weekend.
Despite a 33–26 defeat at Eugene Cross Park, the Wizards returned with two valuable bonus points and, perhaps more importantly, evidence of the progress being made behind the scenes.
Four tries, improved attacking cohesion and a competitive performance against one of the league’s leading sides offered encouragement. The challenge now is to translate those improvements into a much-needed home victory.
Jones reaches significant milestone.
Saturday will be a special afternoon for Frankie Jones, who is selected on the wing for his 150th appearance in Aberavon colours.
The winger has established himself as an important attacking presence for the Wizards, combining finishing ability with the instinct to identify opportunities in the wider channels.
Jones has continued to contribute to Aberavon’s attacking output this season, including a try in the high-scoring encounter away to Newport in September.
His milestone is a reflection of the commitment required to represent a club over an extended period, with 150 appearances representing countless training sessions, matches and contributions to the Aberavon shirt.
There is also a connection to Saturday’s opposition, with Jones having crossed the whitewash against Carmarthen Quins in their previous visit to the Talbot Athletic Ground.
For Jones, the occasion presents an opportunity to celebrate an individual achievement while helping the Wizards pursue an important collective result.
Thomas captains a familiar forward unit.
Rhys Thomas once again leads Aberavon from the second row, continuing his partnership with Lewis Marsh.
Theo Malik, Luke Davies and Eli Cowan form the front row, while Evan Weston and Elis Cox are joined by Owen Popple in the back row.
Popple’s inclusion follows his try-scoring contribution against Ebbw Vale, where he crossed from a driving maul during the second half.
Hooker Luke Davies was also among the scorers last weekend, continuing to provide an important contribution in the tight exchanges.
The battle up front will be central to Saturday’s contest. Aberavon have been placing particular emphasis on the quality of their set-piece work, the pressure applied to opposition possession and the ability to establish a stronger defensive platform.
Against a Carmarthen side capable of playing expansive rugby when afforded clean possession, the effectiveness of that forward effort could prove decisive.
Experience and attacking threat across the backline.
Elis Horgan and Stef Jac Jones continue their partnership at half-back, with responsibility for controlling territory, identifying attacking opportunities and maintaining the tempo of Aberavon’s game.
Garyn Smith and James Price combine in midfield, while Frankie Jones is joined by Felix Gilbert and Morgan Williams in the back three.
Williams was among the standout attacking contributors at Ebbw Vale, finishing an excellent second-half movement that helped bring Aberavon level at 21–21.
Stef Jac Jones added three conversions during that encounter, as the Wizards demonstrated their ability to create and finish opportunities against a physical and well-organised opponent.
There is a balance of experience, creativity and pace throughout the backline, with the challenge now to deliver that attacking threat more consistently over the course of 80 minutes.
Recent form.
Both teams arrive seeking a change in fortunes.
Aberavon have faced a demanding sequence of fixtures, including encounters with Newport, Llandovery and Ebbw Vale. However, the narrow defeats against Bridgend and Ebbw Vale have demonstrated an improving level of competitiveness.
Carmarthen Quins have also endured a challenging opening period, although their 43–35 victory over Swansea showcased the attacking potential within their squad.
Aberavon – last five played.
Ebbw Vale 33–26 Aberavon L
Bridgend 24–19 Aberavon L
Llandovery 66–21 Aberavon L
Newport 73–33 Aberavon L
Aberavon 26–52 Ebbw Vale L
Carmarthen Quins – last five played.
Cardiff 35–12 Carmarthen L
Newport 52–24 Carmarthen L
Carmarthen 43–35 Swansea W
RGC 36–29 Carmarthen L
Carmarthen 17–27 Cardiff L
Building on the Ebbw Vale performance.
While the Wizards remain determined to improve their results, the performance at Ebbw Vale provided a positive indication of the direction in which the squad is moving.
The coaching group has spent recent weeks working on several important areas of the game, with particular attention given to defensive organisation, possession retention and the effectiveness of attacking opportunities inside the opposition 22.
Those improvements were evident in periods last Saturday, with Aberavon demonstrating greater attacking cohesion and an ability to remain competitive against strong opposition.
The emphasis this weekend will be on maintaining those standards while continuing to develop the consistency needed to turn competitive performances into victories.
The Wizards will also be looking to make home advantage count, with the Talbot Athletic Ground providing the setting for what promises to be another fiercely contested encounter.
Davies: Progress must become performance.
Head coach Chris Davies believes the squad can take confidence from last weekend while recognising the importance of continuing to improve.
“There was a lot to be encouraged by at Ebbw Vale. We went to a difficult place, against a very good side, and showed some real quality in our performance.
“What pleased me was the way we stayed connected, continued to challenge them and found ways to create opportunities. There has been a tremendous amount of work going on behind the scenes, and we’re starting to see more of that work reflected on the field.
“But the important thing now is to build on it. We want to become a team that delivers those standards consistently, regardless of who we’re playing or where we’re playing.
“Carmarthen will present a different challenge. They’ve got some talented rugby players and they’re capable of scoring points, so we know the importance of being accurate in what we do.
“It’s also a special afternoon for Frankie. Reaching 150 appearances for a club like Aberavon is a fantastic achievement. Those milestones deserve recognition because they represent a huge commitment over a number of seasons.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the boys back at the Talbot Athletic Ground. We’ve got an opportunity to take another positive step forward, and that’s where our focus is.”
Strong options among the replacements.
Aberavon have named Callum Bolland, Saul Hurley, Tyler Murvai, Evan Hill, Brandon Owens, Ashton Evans, Scott Whitlock and Sam Jardine among the replacements.
The selection provides a range of options across the forward pack and backline, with the opportunity to introduce fresh energy and experience as the match develops.
James Clegg and Charlie Thomas are named as travelling reserves.
Aberavon team to face Carmarthen Quins
Starting XV
15 Morgan Williams
14 Felix Gilbert
13 James Price
12 Garyn Smith
11 Frankie Jones (150th appearance)
10 Stef Jac Jones
9 Elis Horgan
1 Theo Malik
2 Luke Davies
3 Eli Cowan
4 Lewis Marsh
5 Rhys Thomas (Captain)
6 Evan Weston
7 Elis Cox
8 Owen Popple
Replacements: Callum Bolland, Saul Hurley, Tyler Murvai, Evan Hill, Brandon Owens, Ashton Evans, Scott Whitlock, Sam Jardine.
Travelling reserves: James Clegg, Charlie Thomas.
Match information.
Fixture: Aberavon RFC v Carmarthen Quins RFC
Competition: Super Rygbi Cymru – Round 7
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Venue: Talbot Athletic Ground, Port Talbot
Kick-off: 2:30pm
With Frankie Jones preparing to mark his 150th appearance, an improving performance to build upon and valuable league points at stake, the Wizards return home with a clear opportunity to turn progress into a positive result.
Earn Every Inch.
