Merthyr will be no pushovers in Premiership warns Jarvis
ANDY Powell’s Merthyr aim to shake-up the Principality Premiership in their first season back in the top flight.
The Ironmen may be among the new faces in an extended 16-team league, but talk at The Wern is of taking on the big boys rather than simply making up the numbers.
Just over two years ago Merthyr, among 11 founding members of the Welsh Rugby Union in 1876, were down in the second division.
However, bankrolled by millionaire businessman Sir Stan Thomas, they signed the likes of former British Lions No.8 Powell, to win a series of promotions including the Championship in May.
Now they have added Cardiff Blues outside-half Gareth Davies, who once scored the winning try against Toulon, promising Welsh youngsters Kyle Evans and Aaron Pinches from Moseley as well as Dale McIntosh as forwards coach.
And head coach Lee Jarvis knows more is expected of his side than any previous newly-promoted side.
“Sir Stan Thomas will have his own expectations and so do we, so there will be pressure, but we’re experienced enough to handle that,” said the former Wales international.
“We know it is going to be difficult, as it will be for all four new teams in the division but we have put together a strong squad that we feel can compete.
“We will all have to perform to our maximum every week. Last year we could still come out on top on an offday but it will be different this season.
“We know we will have to have a good set-piece and it’s great having Dale McIntosh on the coaching team. The Pontypridd fixtures will be fantastic!”
Swansea, Bargoed and North Wales outfit RGC1404, now coached by former Wales wing Mark Jones, followed Merthyr from the Championship while last season’s whipping boys Neath, led off the field by Gareth Llewellyn, have also recruited heavily.
It all means last season’s surprise champions Ebbw Vale, who beat Pontypridd 38-12 with a blistering performance in the final, know defending the title will be even harder.
“We came from nowhere last season after we won ten on the bounce,” said ex-Scarlets boss Nigel Davies. “But now people will be expecting us to perform at a high level and opponents will have more incentive against us, as the champions.”
Experimental World Rugby laws over points have been ditched while the league, ring-fenced for three years, will be split in two at the halfway mark of the season.