A TOWY Valley rugby team will begin their title defence with an away Carmarthenshire derby.

Llandovery RFC clinched their first Indigo Premiership title earlier this year when beating Cardiff RFC 24-8 at Cardiff Arms Park.

They will begin their defence of the title away to Carmarthen Quins, as the WRU announced the fixtures last Friday, July 7, for the 2023/24 season.

Coach Euros Evans said: “Carmarthen is never an easy place to go, and the Quins ended last season very well. They had a tough start through injuries and have recruited very well this summer,” said Evans.

“It is vital we get off to a good start to build up new momentum after the highs of last season. We need to beware suffering any hang-over from the emotional high of beating Cardiff in the play-off final.

“There have been a lot of celebrations since then and we certainly expect to be highly competitive once again next season.”

Some of the games will also be showcased on S4C.

WRU community director Geraint John is looking forward to the new season and welcomed the addition of Admiral Championship winners Pontypool and runners-up Neath to the league.

“As always we will have quality games and rugby with a mixture of young academy players playing alongside older experienced regional players,” said John.

“Also, when you look at the clubs we also have quality coaching around the teams which will help in the development of the game and the development of the players.

“And we’re delighted to have the support of S4C on board again to showcase the games. We will be releasing those games to be televised in the very near future.”

Llandovery RFC’s Indigo Premiership fixtures:

September 2: Carmarthen Quins away.

September 9: Merthyr home.

September 16: Pontypridd away.

September 30: Cardiff home.

October 14: Ebbw Vale away.

October 21: RCG home.

October 28: Neath home.

November 4: Bridgend away.

November 11: Pontypool home.

November 25: Newport home.

December 2: Swansea away.

December 16: Aberavon home.

December 23: Carmarthen Quins home.

December 30: Merthyr away.

January 6: Pontypridd home.

January 13: Cardiff away.

January 20: Ebbw Vale home.

January 27: RGC away.

February 17: Neath away.

March 2: Bridgend home.

March 9: Pontypool away.

March 30: Newport away.

April 6: Swansea home.

April 13: Aberavon away.

Fixtures are subject to change due to TV scheduling.