From the match programme:-
"NEWPORT, the great "Invincibles" of the 1920's, are very welcome visitors to the Athletic ground this afternoon. It is to be hoped that the weather will have relented sufficiently after last week's blank day for the game to be played, and much to be regretted that the postponement of the Wales and England match in Cardiff for one week seems likely to rob this afternoon's club game of several stars."
"Newport are enjoying a very successful season. They are unbeaten at home and have lost only four out of 23 games, three being to Welsh clubs, Cardiff, Llanelly and Neath, and the other to an Irish side in Dublin. The record of games between Richmond and Newport since the last war is predominantly in favour of Newport, with only one drawn game in 1952-53 to break a long run of Newport victories. Last season Richmond gave Newport one of their hardest matches of the season at Rodney Parade, a game in which B. M. Gray caught the attention of Welsh football followers with two very fine tries."
"The composition of both sides this afternoon was very much dependant on whether the international at Cardiff could be played. Richmond expect to be without N. M. Hall and P. H. Ryan, both playing for England and in consequence have found team building somewhat difficult. Full back has provided quite a problem as J. A. Cummings, who has been deputising for Hall, is ill and W. M. Butcher, from Oxford, felt unable to turn out. There may eventually be a re-arrangement of the backs to overcome this problem."
"Newport originally chose a full team and included a number of reserves in case the international at Cardiff is played. They had hoped to bring with them to London Garfield Owen, the new Welsh full back, Ken Jones, the great Welsh wing threequarter, Bryn Meredith, the Welsh hooker and J. Hancock, the big second row forward who was chosen for the England team against Wales. However, it now appears that the match at Cardiff is to be played and in consequence the reserves will appear in this game."
"In Owen's place J. Hughes is available at full back, and the threequarter line will consist of H. Morgan, Malcolm Thomas, J. Lane and Bryn Jones while Ken Jones is engaged at Cardiff in getting his 36th cap for Wales. Roy Burnett, a great servant to Newport rugby, and D. O. Brace, are the half back pair."
"On Wednesday on this ground United Hospitals are due to play their annual match with Oxford University, who will be starting the new term under R. B. Alaway and on Saturday comes the match between London Scottish and Harlequins."