"Richmond and Newport, whom we welcome as visitors to-day to the Athletic ground, first played each other in 1888. This is a long time ago, but according to the records there does not seem to have been any continuity of fixtures between the two clubs. Ih fact, there have been only 15 games all told, of which Newport have won 11 and Richmond 4. The last meeting was in December 1938, when Richmond were the winners by 18 points to 8."

"A splendid victory over the Harlequins last week will give Richmond plenty of confidence to face the Newport test to-day. As originally chosen it was intended to bring two boys who played so well in the English and Scottish schoolboys match last week into the Richmond side. P. M. Young, the outstanding Stowe forward, turns out to-day, but unfortunately the English boys' captain, D. M. E. Anson, is still nursing a hand injury received against the Scots, and has had to cry off. His place in the centre has fallen to a former schoolmate from Sherborne, H. T. Davis. It will be noticed that P. H. Davies, who got an international Trial at Sunderland this season and got two tries against Harlequins is playing again. This may be his last appearance for a little while, as he is due to return to the North of England shortly."

"The big Welsh contingent, which always comes along to the Athletic ground when one of their clubs is playing in town, may be a bit disappointed to find the Newport side not quite up to normal strength. Trial games hit Welsh clubs just a badly as they do English clubs - sometimes very much harder. Newport supporters would probably agree that this is the case to-day, for in the final Welsh trial at Cardiff this afternoon Newport will have no fewer than eight players on duty. D. R. Morgan, Ken Jones, G. Parsons, R. E. Blakemore, the Cambridge centre, K. A. N. Spray, and the player whom many good judges consider the best wing forward in Wales, R. T. Evans, have all been chosen in the Trial teams, while W. H. M. Baker and A. H. Rowland are reserves."

"The consequence is that the Newport three-quarter line bears rather an unfamiliar appearance, but those who can carry their minds back to the last meeting between the two clubs may recall J. C. Adams. In those days he played on the wing for Newport. He has not appeared in their colours this season, but it is reported that he has been showing all his old pace in the Newport Police fifteen, and in stepping into the breach in the Newport side is sure of a warm welcome."