I watched the first game at the new St Helen’s and one feeling struck me

The refurbished Swansea venue is set to welcome professional rugby back in a couple of weeks

By Ben James · Wales Online

Published: Sunday, 11 October 2026 at 11:23 AM

Key Things to Know

Ben James observed that the newly refurbished St Helen's ground shows rapid progress despite still being unfinished.
Swansea RFC returned to St Helen's after a season away, playing their first Super Rygbi Cymru match there.
Ebbw Vale defeated Swansea RFC narrowly courtesy of a late penalty kick from Cai Evans.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Ben James observed the first match at the newly refurbished St Helen's ground, noting a striking mix of impressive rapid progress alongside visible ongoing construction. Swansea RFC hosted Ebbw Vale in a Super Rygbi Cymru fixture before a crowd of 1,300 supporters, marking the club's return home after spending last season playing at Dunvant.

While Swansea's Mat Protheroe scored the first try at the revamped stadium, a late penalty from Ebbw Vale's Cai Evans secured a narrow victory for the visitors. James highlights that despite ongoing work and unfinished sections, the venue shows strong promise ahead of the Ospreys' upcoming professional fixture against the Dragons.

Read the full article on Wales Online

I watched the first game at the new St Helen’s and one feeling struck me

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