-
Evidence suggests a club playing rugby rules was active in Neath as early as 1864 when a group formed a club to play winter football under Rugby rules. -
Neath Rugby Football Club is officially established (oldest recognised rugby club in Wales). Club begins playing fixtures, including an early match against Swansea -
Neath adopts its famous all-black kit with a white cross, reputedly after the death of player Dick Gordon from an on-field injury.
-
The Welsh Rugby Union is founded in Neath (Castle Hotel), although Neath RFC wasn’t present at the initial meeting.
-
Neath plays combined fixtures with Aberavon against touring sides such as Australia.
-
Rugby and club activities are affected by the war, like all British clubs (players serve abroad).
-
Glyn Stephens becomes the first Neath player to captain Wales. -
Neath wins the Snelling Sevens tournaments and continues domestic success.
-
Neath wins the Snelling Sevens tournaments and continues domestic success.
-
Neath celebrates its centenary year as the first senior Welsh club to do so. Wins the WRU Cup, ending the final by beating Llanelli 15–9. -
Brian Thomas returns as Team Manager, beginning an era of club dominance. -
Neath emerges as Welsh rugby champions and builds momentum in domestic competitions.
-
Neath sets a world record for points (1,917) and tries (345) in one season (47 games).
-
Neath competes in the early Welsh Premiership (top club league), winning titles in 1990-91 and 1995-96.
-
Neath competes in the early Welsh Premiership (top club league), winning titles in 1990-91 and 1995-96.
-
Neath continues success in the Welsh Premiership with titles in 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2009-10 and Welsh Cups in 2004, 2008, 2009.
-
Neath RFC enters serious financial distress. The club is placed into administration / insolvency proceedings. Risk of liquidation threatens the future of one of Wales’ oldest rugby clubs. -
The club is saved through restructuring and new governance. Ownership and management model changes. Focus shifts from success at all costs to survival and rebuilding. -
Relegated from the WRU Premiership to the WRU Championship.
-
Neath RFC continues to compete in the WRU Premiership, with fixtures against clubs like Brecon, Llanelli Wanderers and Llangennech, showcasing ongoing participation at club level.
-
Neath RFC operates as a stable, community-focused Premiership club. Financial model prioritises sustainability over short-term success. Often cited as an example of a traditional club surviving modern rugby’s financial pressures.