The Gnoll

The Gnoll is a sports ground in Neath, south Wales. It has been home to Neath RFC since 1871 and has also hosted cricket, rugby league and football. The ground’s capacity is now 6,000 after earlier expansions. It has staged matches for Welsh national teams and touring sides. Neath Athletic played here in the late 2000s before the club folded. The site includes pitches, stands and an indoor cricket school. The Gnoll’s rugby history is long and notable. Neath RFC played here before regional rugby began in Wales. The ground hosted a Wales women’s victory over France in the 2016 Women’s Six Nations. Wales rugby league teams now use it as their official home ground. In 2010 Wales beat Ireland 31–30 at the Gnoll in the European Cup. It also hosted games in the 2011 Four Nations and the 2013 World Cup. Visitors find a working sports venue with pitches and stands. The indoor cricket school remains in use for coaching. Cricket returned in 2022 with two 50-over matches. The ground is set in Neath’s town centre, easy to reach. Match days bring crowds for club and international play. The site still carries traces of its past as a multi-sport ground.