SPORTING LINKS

Neath Rugby

Buildbase-sponsored Neath gained a hard fought win over Cardiff on Tuesday night to make it nine consecutive wins for the current Principality Champions.
	After an early upset at the start of season against Bedwas, many wrote off Neath, but they have come back in true never-say-die spirit. Neath pulled off a 20-13 double win at freezing Cardiff Arms Park with a determined performance that got the better of a fired up home team, who beat Swansea 15-11 on Friday. Neath have now seen off stiff competition from premiership strengths, Pontypridd, Aberavon and Cardiff twice, who all fielded a number of regional players. Neath are now just one point behind leaders Pontypridd, but with a game in hand the scales are starting to tip in their favour. Patrick Horgan, Director of Rugby and head coach at Neath, said: “Being an Ospreys free zone has made us tighter as a group, and we have reacted to adversity in the way everyone at Neath would expect”. With Neath due to visit Llanelli on Monday night, all eyes are now focused on Stradey Park and whether the ‘Welsh All Blacks’ can make it ten wins out of ten. Llanelli are expected to pull heavily on their links with the Scarlets and no doubt they will name a few full time regional players in their squad, but with the determination and heart being shown by Neath at present, it may not even be enough to see off an ‘All Black’ night at Llanelli. www.neathrugby.co.uk

BUILDBASE SPONSOR NEATH RUGBY CLUB
Neath Rugby are proud to announce the most significant sponsorship deal in Welsh semi-pro rugby. Buildbase has signed a two-year deal with the principality champions.
	The new partnership sees Buildbase, along with its associated brands, Plumbase and Civils & Lintels, as the main shirt sponsor for the club, the introduction of ‘The Buildbase Family Stand’, and the hosting of a number of match day tradesmen events at the Gnoll. Neath Rugby chairman, Geraint Hawkes, said, “Being the oldest rugby club in Wales, Neath Rugby has a well-established and envied history within Welsh rugby. Our recent success has led to even greater interest in the club and we’re delighted that a national company of the calibre of Buildbase, has identified Neath Rugby as a partner to expand its brand throughout South Wales. It’s a great achievement for the club and we’re very excited to start what we hope will be a long and prosperous partnership between these two strong brands”. Established in 1996, Buildbase has approaching 150 branches throughout the UK and acquired the existing JS Jones builders merchant in Neath in 2008. Buildbase has a specialist Civils & Lintels division which trades from Aberfan and their sister company, Plumbase, has branches in Cardiff and Newport. Buildbase managing director, Stephen Thompstone said “Buildbase branches have strong links with their local communities and have long-standing relationships with their customers. Many customers and staff are keen rugby followers and Buildbase is proud to have its name associated with this leading club as main shirt sponsor.” Nadine Davies, brand development manager for Neath Rugby said, “The new partnership with Buildbase highlights the recent achievements of both organisations. As five times principality champions, Neath are proud to be partnered by Buildbase, they’re a winning company like ourselves, with a strong emphasis on supporting the local community.”
For the latest information on Neath Rugby please visit www.neathrugby.co.uk