From the match programme:-
"NOTES."
"By coincidence, Crosskeys, who concluded the 1950/51 season at Rodney Parade, open the home programme for 1951/52, and there will be a warm welcome on the occasion for our Western Valley friends. Crosskeys showed in that final game of last season, which Newport won only narrowly by 8 points to 5, that there was little lacking in their conception of the game, and a continuance of that form this season and, particularly on their appearance to-day, would give great pleasure not only in the Western Valleys, but in Newport as well."
"Best wishes will be extended from our Supporters to Newport's new captain, R. T. Evans. With a wealth of talent available, including all the players who made Newport famous last season there will be the natural desire for a continuance of the type of Rugby displayed. 'Bob' Evans is a wise and seasoned campaigner, and it is certain that the fortunes of the team are in good hands."
"With neither Malcolm Thomas or Glyn Davies available for selection, Newport bring back R. D. Owen at centre for to-day's game and the chosen side is, therefore, very nearly identical to what was considered the strongest combination of last season."
"The International Board have made one or two important changes in the laws concerning the game, to take effect from the opening of this season. These mainly concern the 'scrummage' and 'knock on' rules, although there are others. On page 3 of this issue, Major T. H. Vile, the Welsh Rugby Union representative on the International Board, has been good enough to write a foreword on the alterations, and the new rules themselves will be detailed in our subsequent publications."
"We announce, with regret, that the continued rise in the costs of paper and printing has made it necessary to increase the price of our Programmes to Threepence. Prices of admission, and all other facilities offered by the Newport Athletic Club, are unaltered."
"MAJOR T. H. VILE, THE WELSH REPRESENTATIVE- ON THE INTERNATIONAL BOARD. WRITES THE FOLLOWING FOREWORD ON THE AMENDED LAWS OF THE GAME, WHICH WILL BE DETAILED IN SUBSEQUENT PROGRAMMES."
"As all Players and Spectators are aware, a numer of important charges have taken place in the Laws of Rugby Football - since the meeting of the International Board in March last. The Board now comprises representatives of England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa."
"The most important changes take the form of new legislation as regards the scrummage laws. These do not represent new ideas, but are an effort to revive the older and better methods in forward play, when good clean scrummaging and honest shoving produced their reward by gaining possession of the ball."
"The changes are also the desire of the International Board to suppress all types of packing and hooking that have led to the frequent collapse of the scrummage, causing dangerous and sometimes even fatal accidents."
"It is in the interests of the players of Rugby Football that the changes are made, and it is hoped that they will co-operate fully by observing the new laws, and avoid purely defensive tactics and offside play, so that the sporting enjoyment of the game may be shared by players and followers alike. It is also hoped that spectators themselves will get acquainted with the new Laws and so avoid any criticisms of players and referees."
"SUPPORTERS CLUB NEWS."
"Once again we greet members, and look forward to another season as entertaining as last; indeed, after last week's 'blooding' at Bristol, the team should be capable of standing up to anything."
"Our congratulations go to our new Skipper, 'Bob' Evans, and Deputy, 'Roy,' and we know no more popular choice could be made."
"Our aim this year is 1,500 members, and at this early stage we are assured of a sell-out. Membership forms and badges are available at all entrances."
"A full complement of trips are being arranged, and we shall commence with Newbridge on Monday, September 24th, leaving the Club at 5.15 p.m. sharp. Fare 2/-. Help the organisers by booking early. Do it to-day at the Bowls Pavilion, after the game."
"On Thursday, September 27th, we are holding our first Whist Drive, in the N.A.C. Gymnasium, by kind permission of the Club Committee, and we request your support. Tickets 1/6d., from any Committee member. This is a Friendly Drive."
"Our first Dance will be held at the end of October. More details later."
"Our Annual Outing will be to the Wasps, and in answer to popular appeal, we are hoping to run a trip to coincide with the Devon Tour. Weekly subscriptions can be made at the Bowls' Pavilion after any Home match."
"If you are interested, come along and let us know. Full details are not yet available, but you can reserve your seat."
"Our Canteen facilities are again available and you can be sure of value at very moderate charges."