Rowley’s Saints dig deep as injury crisis bites again

The New Saints are fighting for survival after another wave of injuries has torn through their first-team squad, leaving coach Paul Rowley with a squad thinner than paper. Top of the Cymru Premier with 80 points from 32 games and 22 points clear of GAP Connah’s Quay FC, the club’s lead looks safe on paper — but the dressing room reality is far grimmer. Last result: Barry Town 0-1 The New Saints (2026-04-18) — and now, with 10 rounds left, Rowley’s side must navigate the storm.

The injury toll mounts

Fifteen first-team players are out, two have already left, and the remaining 21 are barely enough to cover the fixtures. This week alone, four more names were added to the treatment table, stretching the squad to breaking point. In response, Rowley has turned to loans and academy talent. Australian second-row Jed Cartwright arrived from Hull FC, while young forwards Matty Evans, Billy Keeley, Cole Marsh and Chris Matagi have been handed first-team shirts.

“It’s definitely a challenge; I guess there’s pressure, expectation, and the injuries don’t help, but to be honest it’s the challenge I get excited about,” Rowley admitted.

Crisis as catalyst for change

Rather than bemoan the bad luck, Rowley is using the crisis to expose fresh talent and test characters. Cartwright’s loan is a direct fix for a forward pack missing its first-choice prop, Daniel Suluka-Fifita. The message to the youngsters stepping in is clear: merit matters most.

“They’re here on merit,” Rowley said. “They’ve been selected by performance, whether in training or on the field. Sometimes people step up and perform better on the big stage than in the Reserves.”

Can the Saints keep their grip on the title?

With a five-game winning run (WWWWW) and a 56-goal difference (+81 scored, 25 conceded), the Saints remain in control at the top. But Sunday’s clash with Toulouse looms large. Can Cartwright’s loan cover the gap? Will the young forwards rise to the occasion? And when will the injured stars return?

Rowley’s answer is simple: keep attacking. “You control the controllables,” he said. “You can’t do anything about the injuries, so there’s no point whinging.” For a club built on resilience, this might be the ultimate test — and the perfect chance to prove just how deep the squad’s character runs.

The New Saints currently sit top of the Cymru Premier with 80 points from 32 games, 22 points ahead of GAP Connah’s Quay FC, and on a five-game winning streak (WWWWW). Their next outing sees them face Toulouse on Sunday.