The 1908–09 season began with the arranging of an impressive fixture list, which as well as the Monmouthshire League teams, include matches to be played against Swansea, Llanelli and Neath. The highlight of the season was the game against the touring Australians which took place on 22 December 1908. This was the first time Abertillery faced international opposition, and the town came to a standstill to welcome the tourists. The collieries finished work early, shops closed and the schools had a half-day holiday. Hundreds of people waited outside the train station and greeted the Australian team with cheers and song. This was the twenty-seventh match for the Australians, and so far the team had only lost three games, against Llanelli, a Combined Midlands team and the Wales national team. Abertillery, led by Winmill held them to a 3–3 draw and became the first team to prevent Australia from scoring a try. Australia took the lead in the game with a penalty, before Billy Bowen equalised for Abertillery. Fred Wood, the Australian vice-captain, said later, that the Abertillery pack were the finest the team had met on the tour.