With the Super Rygbi Cymru league fixtures and cup schedule now confirmed, attention at the Talbot Athletic Ground is firmly turning towards the start of a season that promises to be one of the most significant in Aberavon Rugby Club’s history.

The 2026/27 campaign will mark 150 years since the club’s formation in 1876, with players, coaches, supporters and volunteers preparing to celebrate a century and a half of rugby in Port Talbot.

For Head Coach Chris Davies and his coaching team, the release of the fixture lists provides the first real milestone on the road towards the new season.

“Once the fixtures come out, everything becomes a little more real,” said Davies.

“You spend months planning and preparing behind the scenes, but now we know exactly what the season ahead looks like. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved with the club.”

Before competitive action gets underway, the Wizards will navigate a demanding preseason schedule designed to prepare the squad for the challenges ahead.

The first test comes on Saturday 8 August when Clifton visit the Talbot Athletic Ground, before London Welsh arrive a week later on Saturday 15 August. Reading Rams complete a trio of home fixtures on Saturday 22 August before Aberavon conclude their preparations with a trip to Blackheath on Saturday 29 August.

The fixtures have been carefully selected to provide different challenges and opportunities for the squad as preparations continue.

“We wanted a preseason programme that would test us in different ways,” Davies explained.

“Each game will tell us something about our group. It’s about building combinations, developing our game and ensuring we’re ready when the season begins.”

The preseason programme will also give supporters their first opportunity to see several new faces in Aberavon colours.

Following the announcement of the club’s retained squad, supporters will soon learn more about a number of exciting additions who have committed to the Wizards ahead of the new campaign.

The club will begin unveiling its new signings over the coming weeks as anticipation continues to build around the 150th anniversary season.

“We’ve worked hard to retain the core of the group while strengthening areas we felt needed improvement,” said Davies.

“We’re looking forward to introducing our new players to supporters and showing the ambition we have for the season ahead.”

The announcement of the league fixtures, cup schedule and preseason programme marks the beginning of what promises to be a memorable year for the club.

While celebrations of Aberavon’s rich history will take place throughout the season, the focus remains firmly on creating new memories and adding another chapter to the club’s proud story.

For Davies, the objective is clear.

“This club has a fantastic history and a supporter base that cares deeply about it. Our job is to ensure we represent that properly every time we take the field.

“We know what wearing the Aberavon jersey means and we’re determined to make this a season everyone can be proud of.”

With fixtures confirmed, preseason approaching and new signings set to be revealed, the countdown to the Wizards’ 150th anniversary season has officially begun.