Becoming a focal point for the local community, the earliest recorded game came against Maestag the following year.
They first entered the South Wales Challenge Cup in 1882, and four years later became part of the Welsh Rugby Union.
Their first international, Dan Jones, played for Wales versus England in 1887.
In the early 20th century Aberavon made the Central Athletic Ground their home base, and in 1913 were granted a 39-year lease at a nominal rate.
The venue later became known as The Talbot Athletic Ground (TAG) in recognition of the family’s generosity.
The club took control of the ground in 1952, when they also changed their kit to their current red and black hoops.
Biggest international beasts visit TAG
With the expansion of the local steel works during the 1950s, Aberavon gained new players and would go onto establish themselves further – hosting New Zealand, Australia and South Africa during the decade.
Twice they reached the WRU Challenge Cup during the 70s, while in 1976 they also hosted the touring Argentina and Italy sides.
They beat the latter and also Western Samoa in 1988, but the departure of many players meant they were put into the second tier when leagues were introduced two years later.
Yet a later management structure made the club a limited company, and success arrived on the pitch.
Spell of regular success
Aberavon were Division Two champions in 1994/95, and then won Division One three times in 96/97, 2000/01 and 01/02.
They were also runners-up the following season.
Since the introduction of the four regions in 2003, Aberavon have built solid ties with Ospreys and currently compete in Super Rygby Cymru, where they finished eighth last term.
They are nicknamed ‘The Wizards’, shortened after they were originally described ‘The Wizards of the West’ by the Evening Post.
Some 40-odd players including British Lion Justin Tipuric have come through the club to be internationals.
Three years of pre-season clashes
Rams first hosted Aberavon for a pre-season game in August 2024, winning 38-19 at Old Bath Road.
Zach Clow bagged a brace with Fraser Honey, Mike Hoyt, Max Hayman and Rowan Grundy all touching down.
Honey and Grundy both kicked two conversions as Rams scored the final 24 points unanswered.
The following year Rams came-from-behind four times before eventually winning 35-28 in Wales.
Joe Panesse, the scrum-half trio of Ollie Cole, Olise Monye and Ed Hoadley, plus Harry Stone, were the away try-scorers.
Honey was on target three times before Lamb landed the final two conversions.
The shoe was on the other foot last year, though, Aberavon this time with the comeback 38-24 triumph.
The hosts surged into a 24-0 lead thanks to tries from George Breese, Lamb, Oli Rhoads and Clow, Mike Cooke with two successful kicks.
But Aberavon got off the mark before the interval and their much-changed side won the second period 33-0.
This Saturday’s game back in Wales kicks off at 2.30pm. Entry costs £5.
