February 15, 2026 - 200 views
RGC’s Valentine’s Day trip south promised passion and intensity — and it delivered both in abundance. But when the final whistle blew at Rodney Parade, it was Newport RFC celebrating a dramatic 29–26 victory, while RGC were left nursing broken hearts in a breathless SRC Cup classic.
The tone was set from the very first exchanges. A knock-on handed Newport early territory and they needed no second invitation. The home pack rumbled forward with intent before hooker Henry Palmer powered over for the opener. The conversion drifted wide, but Newport had landed the first punch.
RGC’s response was immediate and assured. Their first meaningful visit to the Newport 22 ended with precision and poise — a rolling maul sucked in defenders before scrum-half Tudur Jones darted over. Billy McBryde’s conversion nudged the visitors ahead and settled any early nerves.
What followed was a gripping arm wrestle. McBryde’s tactical kicking pinned Newport back, while Sam Williams charged into contact with ferocious intent, shrugging off defenders and lifting the tempo. RGC were building, phase after phase, but when Caio Parry was bundled into touch, the warning signs flickered.
Newport absorbed the pressure — then struck with ruthless efficiency. From deep inside their own half they swept forward, Ben Roach finishing in the corner to swing momentum back the hosts’ way. Harrison James added the extras, and suddenly RGC were chasing again.
Penalties were traded. McBryde’s boot kept RGC in front, James responded in kind. Newport threatened again before the break, kicking to the corner, but RGC’s forwards dug in, halting the maul and keeping the contest finely balanced at half-time.
The second half burst into life. A fresh RGC front row made an instant impact at scrum time, earning a penalty that McBryde calmly slotted. Yet just as control seemed within reach, Newport found space out wide and Fin Baker finished clinically, James once more deadly from the tee.
The drama intensified. Baker denied Parry with a stunning cover tackle inches from the line. Newport were held up over the whitewash. Errors crept in. The momentum swung wildly.
Then came another RGC surge. A thunderous maul marched forward and Pedr Jones crashed over, McBryde converting to edge the visitors back ahead. Another penalty stretched the lead. With time ticking down, belief was growing.
But cup rugby can be cruel.
A Newport penalty brought a kick to the corner — and a sense of inevitability. Phases hammered away at the RGC line before Harri Ackerman forced his way through. James converted. Newport back in front.
The closing minutes were frantic and fraught. A forward pass halted one RGC attack. A crucial kick failed to find touch. Territory slipped away at the worst possible moment.
When the whistle sounded, it was Newport who held on, 29–26, sealing their semi-final place and leaving RGC to reflect on what might have been after one of the most compelling contests of the season.
Attention now turns to Carmarthen Quins on Saturday 21 February — a must-win encounter that could yet keep RGC’s own semi-final dream alive.
