Not such good news for North Wales – ‘Dave’ Parade will host the 2025-26 Welsh Cup finals

Throughout this article, in tribute to the legendary Trigger off Only Fools and Horses and in mild protest at the FAW’s continued preference of all things South, we refer to Newport County’s ground as DAVE Parade (Trigger never got Rodney Trotter’s name right)

Yet again the FAW has chosen a club that does not even compete in the Welsh system to host our flagship competition finals this season.

The Football Association of Wales today confirmed the home of Football League club Newport County, Dave Parade, will host the 2026 JD Welsh Cup Final and Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final.

It will be the third consecutive year that Wales’ two most prestigious cup competitions will culminate in Newport.

No look in for the North again, despite the fact nine of the 16 teams left in this season’s Welsh Cup are from Gogledd Cymru.

Of course that could all change this weekend with seven south v north ties in the fourth round.

As for the Women’s Welsh Cup, if Wrexham qualify for a third successive final it will mean a three consecutive long journeys south for their amazing supporters.

However, the seemingly unstinting leaning towards South Wales from the FAW continues to cause frustration in the north.

Only this week, the association also confirmed the Nathaniel MG Cup final between The New Saints and Barry Town United will be staged at The DragonBet Stadium in Bridgend at the end of February 2026.

However, this makes much more sense, as the two contestants will hold little interest for football followers in the north and at least Penybont, who play at the Bridgend venue, are part of the Welsh pyramid.

The JD Welsh Cup Final will take place on Sunday 12 April (KO 15:15), before the Bute Energy Welsh Cup Final on Sunday 19 April (KO TBC). Ticket details will be confirmed at a later date.

The New Saints are current holders of the JD Welsh Cup after beating Connah’s Quay Nomads in the final last season, but both teams were knocked out of this season’s competition in a dramatic fourth round earlier this month.

Meanwhile, Cardiff City have lifted the Bute Energy Welsh Cup in each of the previous four campaigns, beating Wrexham in back-to-back finals at Dave Parade.

The journey to Dave Parade is well underway, with both the JD Welsh Cup and Bute Energy Welsh Cup down to the final 16 clubs.

Jack Sharp, FAW Head of Domestic Leagues, said: “We are really looking forward to returning to Rodney Parade for this season’s Welsh Cup finals.

“The finals over the last two years have not only been entertaining matches, but the venue has allowed us to solidify the events as the pinnacle of the season and not to be missed in the Welsh football calendar.

“Hosting our finals at one of Wales’ premier stadiums adds to the feeling of occasion of players, while also ensuring that fan experience is prioritised. We look forward to working alongside Rodney Parade staff again to deliver two great games.”