1998–99 Welsh Premier Division Explained

Champions: Llanelli RFC
Runnersup: Pontypridd RFC
Matches:80

The 1998–99 Welsh Premier Division was a rugby union competition for Welsh clubs. It was not contested by Cardiff and Swansea, due to their ongoing dispute with the WRU. Newport and Aberavon were promoted to take their place. Llanelli RFC won the league, despite Pontypridd RFC beginning the season as runaway favourites.[1] Llanelli, Pontypridd, and Neath RFC qualified for the 1999–2000 Heineken Cup, with Ebbw Vale RFC missing out to make space for Cardiff and Swansea.[2] Aberavon RFC were relegated.

The league operated under a round-robin, with each team playing the seven others home and away. The top and bottom four then separated for the second phase, again playing each other home and away to add an extra six games to the season.

Table

TeamPWDLPFPA+/-Pts
Llanelli RFC201514768341+42764
Pontypridd RFC201208646468+17846
Neath RFC201208568491+7744
Ebbw Vale RFC201217541468+7344
Caerphilly RFC201028550562-1237
Bridgend RFC20929522607-8536
Newport RFC205015499639-14023
Aberavon RFC202018394929-53510
[3]

Results

First phase

Round 13

Top four playoff

Round 19

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Robert Cole . Rugby Union: Great Welsh divide | Sport . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-great-welsh-divide-1174805.html . 2022-05-01 . subscription . live . The Independent . 2016-04-26.
  2. Web site: Wyn Griffiths . Rugby Union: Rebels return to Welsh League | Sport . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-union-rebels-return-to-welsh-league-1099110.html . 2022-05-01 . subscription . live . The Independent . 2016-04-26.
  3. Web site: The history of rugby through its competitions . Rugbyarchive.net . 2016-04-26.