The Gnoll
Neath, Neath Port Talbot, Wales
The Gnoll, Neath, Wales — opened 1871 (as home of Neath RFC; Neath Cricket Club used the site from 1848), 49 rugby league games hosted, home of South Wales Scorpions, 2010-2013/14 (relocated to Maesteg RFC in 2014, later rebranded Ironmen then West Wales Raiders); Wales national rugby league team and Wales women's national rugby league team have also used it, 2024-present.
Sourcing caveat: Floodlights not confirmed, nor is the exact date the capacity reduced from its historical ~15,000 peak.
Ground facts
| Opened | 1871 (as home of Neath RFC; Neath Cricket Club used the site from 1848) |
| Home club | South Wales Scorpions, 2010-2013/14 (relocated to Maesteg RFC in 2014, later rebranded Ironmen then West Wales Raiders); Wales national rugby league team and Wales women's national rugby league team have also used it, 2024-present |
| Games hosted (rugby league, on record) | 49 |
| Top recorded crowd | 3,270 (Rugby League — Group D, 10 Nov 2013, 2013 Rugby League World Cup: Wales 24-28 Cook Islands) |
| Capacity | approx. 6,000 currently; formerly up to 15,000 at an unconfirmed historical peak |
| Test matches hosted | 2 |
| Surface | Grass |
| First rugby league match | South Wales Scorpions' inaugural match, Feb 2010, beat Workington Town 22-20 (attendance approx. 500) |
| Years used | 2010–2026 |
| Location | Neath, Neath Port Talbot |
Name history
- The Gnoll — since 1871, no name change found
Rugby league history
Primarily the historic home of Neath RFC (rugby union) since 1871 and Neath Cricket Club since 1848 — but with a genuine rugby league pedigree of its own via South Wales Scorpions (2010-2014) and recent Wales international fixtures. Also briefly home to Neath F.C./Neath Athletic (football, 2008-2012) and hosted Ospreys regional rugby union 2003-2005.
Primary tenant is Neath RFC (rugby union) and Neath Cricket Club; also briefly hosted football and regional rugby union.
Historic Test matches, Cup & Grand Finals hosted
- 2011 Rugby League Four Nations — Wales 30-6 Ireland
- 2013 Rugby League World Cup, Group D — Wales v Cook Islands (the smallest venue used in that tournament)
Pre-dates the site's structured match-by-match records for these competitions, so listed here as sourced facts rather than linked match pages.
Notable games played here
| Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group D, 10 Nov 2013 | 2013 Rugby League World Cup | Wales 24-28 Cook Islands |
Only matches we have full, sourced records for are listed here — other historic games mentioned above may not have a dedicated match page built yet (World Cup coverage in particular is still expanding tournament by tournament).
Sources
Data last verified: 11 August 2026.
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