Swansea Lose St Helen's Return Match to Ebbw Vale Comeback

Swansea RFC lost 27-26 to Ebbw Vale in Super Rygbi Cymru as rugby returned to the rebuilt St Helen's stadium, where more than 1,000 fans watched the first match on the new 4G pitch. The home side led by 16 points before a late penalty decided the result.

According to BBC Sport, Swansea opened a 26-10 advantage after full-back Mat Protheroe scored the first try at the renovated venue and added another after halftime. Matthew Aubrey and Josh Phillips also crossed for Swansea, with Phillips contributing 11 points.

Ebbw Vale completed the comeback through tries from Ieuan Morris, Rhys Jenkins and Luke Garrett, while fly-half Cai Evans scored seven points including the late penalty that secured victory, according to BBC Sport.

The match was stopped for about 15 minutes after Swansea wing Iwan Glynn suffered a serious leg injury while attempting to score in the corner. Swansea RFC later confirmed his condition after he was taken to hospital.

"Up and alert," said Swansea RFC in a club update on Iwan Glynn's condition.

The club described Glynn's injury after the incident at St Helen's, where medical teams from both sides attended the player before he was transported for treatment.

"Major injury," said Swansea RFC when describing the severity of Iwan Glynn's injury.

The first phase of the St Helen's redevelopment, funded by Swansea Council and the Ospreys, includes the new 4G pitch. Further work will add new stands, a refurbished clubhouse, a fan zone and hospitality areas.

One stand was open for Swansea's return match, with a second stand scheduled to open for the Cardiff RFC visit on Thursday, 15 October. The Ospreys are scheduled to play their first United Rugby Championship match at St Helen's against Dragons on Saturday, 24 October.