Brecon RFC stand on the cusp of an exciting new season.

They face the reality of competing in Championship West, a challenge which will test the resolve and skills of individuals, their commitment and dedication in the training and conditioning programmes set by their coaches, and their team ethic.

They know that critical to any success is the way the team starts the season. Building on a successful foundation in the first few matches must be the aim for this talented group of players.

So what can Brecon fans expect ahead on the new season?

When the WRU introduced a competitive National League Structure in 1996 Brecon found itself competing in the basement Division, 8 Central.

Since that time steady progress has been made with a huge step being taken at the end of the 2014/15 season when Brecon were promoted to Division 1 East. That was a big leap forward, and one which almost proved to be too great.

At first the team struggled to cope with the strength and intensity of established Division 1 Clubs. Indeed, for a time it looked as if a quick return to Division two was on the cards.

That setback was avoided thanks to the team ethic and individual commitment of the players.

Having survived, the team learned to cope with the demands of the competition to such an extent that at the end of season 2018/19 they were crowned Champions and WRU Plate winners. They missed out on promotion in the play-offs to Glamorgan Wanderers and then Covid hit. The league programme was temporarily dismantled until a fully competitive league programme restarted in 2022/23.

Under the guidance of new coaches Dale McIntosh, Gavin Dacey and Owen Sheppeard, the team achieved its goal of winning promotion to the Championship.

Now Brecon RFC are ready for a brand new season, competing in Championship West.

Four of the current squad, who were part of the team that encountered and overcame the challenge of the step up the league ladder in 2015, will be eager to ensure that they and the club learned from that experience.

Head Coach, Dale McIntosh, has set the achievement bar at a very high level.

“I believe that we can be Championship West title contenders,” he said.

Setting such a goal is the easy part.

Making that a realistic proposition, and getting everyone to buy into it, requires meticulous planning and the commitment of the whole squad in order to build on the success of last year and to allow progression.

In acknowledging that success McIntosh stated: “Last year’s group of players can hold their heads high and celebrate the achievement of promotion. The effort from every single player last year was, and is, totally appreciated by all at the club.

“Although we came unstuck twice in the league and lost narrowly to Ammanford in the Welsh Cup, I personally believe we played consistently to a very high level, excelling particularly during the later stages of the season.”

However, he noted that moving on from that success and emulating it at a higher level requires even greater and more consistent commitment. It also requires greater strength in depth.

At times last season the squad was stretched to the limit as injuries and commitments took their toll. In order to overcome these problems, there has been an off-season recruitment programme, not in a way that would undermine or replace the core element of local players but to augment and strengthen it.

Rationalising this action, McIntosh said: “It was always in our plans that as we excelled up the leagues we would consider strengthening the depth of our squad to be able to compensate for injuries and legitimate commitments.

“Present squad members will understand the reality and importance of the above and I am sure they will embrace the challenges of the new season both in the intended intensity of our commitment and the added competition amongst the squad.”

As a result of implementing this policy the club has seen a number of new signings including the return of Osian Davies after a long, successful run with Premiership Club, Merthyr, and the introduction of Kristian Dacey, (brother of Backs Coach, Gavin) following his regional retirement, after a successful career as a member of Cardiff Blues.

Certainly, to date it appears that players are buying into the rigorous regime. Training has gone well. Numbers are good and it is pleasing to see a smattering of last season’s youth team stepping up into the senior ranks. Sessions to date have been skills focused, positive and enjoyable. Individuals are challenged and there is clear progression in terms of pace and accuracy as they adapt to the presented skill sets. Throughout there is positive direction, and encouragement.

Now with the onset of pre-season matches, starting with an away trip to Marlborough on August 12 and the Premiership team Newport at Parc de Pugh on Augusr 19, there is a shift in emphasis towards unit skills and team plays and patterns. The plan is to give everyone the opportunity to challenge for places at the start of the season which commences on September 2 with opponents, Newcastle Emlyn, travelling to Parc de Pugh.

As the season gets closer so the anticipation and excitement are building. Travelling will be a challenge for players and supporters with long journeys to Narberth, Crymych and Newcastle Emlyn. At the end, however, there is the goal of not just competing at a level never previously achieved by Brecon RFC, but also challenging as genuine title contenders. That may seem ambitious, but with the clear commitment of the coaching team to achieve that goal, with the support of the players and the 100 per cent backing of the club and community, then perhaps the optimism can be justified.

Those who followed the team last season will have witnessed many entertaining matches and will be looking forward to the new season. One thing is clear: there is a commitment to continue playing an expansive and attractive style of rugby.

With that in mind it would be sensible to note the following fixtures for the first half of the season and to highlight them in your diary:

August 19 - Newport (home - friendly)

September 2 Newcastle Emlyn (home)

September 9 Llangennech (away)

September 16 Ystalyfera (home)

September 30 Trebanos (away)

October 14 Bonymaen (home)

October 21 Crymych (away)

November 4 Narberth (home)

November 11 Ammanford (home)

November 18 Maesteg Quins (away)

November 25 TATA Steel (home)

December 2 Dunvant (away)

December 9 Newcastle Emlyn (away)

December 16 Llangennech (home)

December 30 Ystalyfera (away)