Neath to host Cwmtawe 7s

Neath Port Talbot Council are putting their weight behind the annual Cwmtawe 7s which is being staged at the historic Gnoll Rugby ground this August.

The authority has arranged for the new town centre multi-storey car park to remain open until 11.00pm to help supporters enjoy the day-long event.

Normal charges will apply although the car park will be free after 6pm.

The event was born more than 30 years ago when a Pontardawe School needed to raise funds for a school trip to Canada and the Cwmtawe 7s was born.

That was in 1983 and 33 years later the tournament is being staged at the historic Gnoll Rugby Ground, a stadium steeped in rugby history.

The tournament is on August 13^th, packing in dozens of matches before its evening climax.

This event is not just a celebration of rugby talent, it is also a fund raising event.

Over the years it has raised large sums of money for local hospitals including medical equipment supporting people with sporting injuries at a clinic at Morriston Hospital, helping to fund treatment for local players and referees and funding a Postgraduate Research Scholarship at the University College Hospital, Cardiff.

A total of 16 teams will take part in the tournament with the first kick-off at 10am and the main competition final at 7pm.

Julian Bracey, Secretary of the Cwmtawe 7s added: “Many people in the locality are not aware that is only because of the outstanding support of Neath Port Talbot Council over the years that it was possible to stage the event at Parc Ynysderw, Pontardawe.”

“This is no longer possible due to the exit of the Council from the facility, hence the need to relocate. Yet again Neath Port Talbot Council continues to offer every support, together with Neath Rugby and Neath Cricket Club” he added.

Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Ali Thomas OBE said: “The Council is delighted to support this outstanding sporting event which has done so much for the community.

“We have arranged to keep the multi-storey car park open that evening until 11.00pm so that supporters can enjoy the rugby and the entertainment.

“This has become an important part of the sporting calendar in Neath Port Talbot and I want to see it continue for a long time to come.”