SWANSEA RFC: Protheroe makes history at the new St Helen’s, but a late penalty hands Ebbw Vale a 27-26 win

Mat Protheroe scored the first try at the rebuilt St Helen’s, but Swansea RFC’s homecoming ended in a 27-26 defeat to Ebbw Vale in Super Rygbi Cymru.

The All Whites were 26-10 up at one stage, before a late Cai Evans penalty completed the comeback for the visitors.

Swansea are still looking for their first win of the 2026-27 season. They are bottom of the Super Rygbi Cymru Trophy Table, with one draw and four defeats from five games.

Mat Protheroe scores twice at St Helen’s

Full-back Protheroe crossed twice, with his second try coming after the break.

Scrum-half Matthew Aubrey and fly-half Josh Phillips also scored tries, and Phillips finished with 11 points.

Ebbw Vale come back from 16 down

Ebbw Vale hit back with two tries from hooker Ieuan Morris and one each from number eight Rhys Jenkins and prop Luke Garrett.

Dragons back Evans kicked seven points, including the penalty that won it.

The second half was held up for a long time while Swansea wing Iwan Glynn was treated for a serious leg injury.

Cardiff RFC at St Helen’s on Thursday

The game reopened the ground, 150 years after the club first made St Helen’s its home.

Only one stand was open, and more than 1,000 people watched.

A second stand opens for Cardiff RFC’s visit on Thursday, 15 October (7.30pm), when the club hopes for a crowd of close to 3,000. Swansea Bay News will be there.

The Ospreys play their first United Rugby Championship game at St Helen’s on Saturday, 24 October (7pm), against the Dragons side they beat 38-31 on Friday.

Swansea RFC v Ebbw Vale

Swansea RFC: Tom Crockett, Jamie Cox, Kian Hire, Theo Currie, Cai Arnold, Sam Morgan, Callum Bowden, Jacob Hopkins, Matthew Aubrey, Josh Phillips, Iwan Glynn, Jack Hoskins, Callum Carson, Harvey James, Mat Protheroe.

Replacements: Osian Oliver, Daf Davies, Ellis Fackrell, Matt Dodd, Ethan Fackrell, Kai Inker, Luke Scully, Joe Thomas.

Author

Richard Bond

Swansea-based sports journalist.
Twitter: @RichBond00
Email: RichardBond@swanseabaynews.com