A game described as Newport's "first official fixture under floodlights", from the match programme:-
"NOTES."
"It is unfortunate that this fixture, which is one per season, should always coincide with the England v. Wales match. Television and radio commentaries have exacted heavy toll of the gates over the years. To overcome this counter attraction this first official fixture under floodlights has been staged. The success of the friendly match played here in October last against an All-Star XV under the lights has heralded in a new type of evening entertainment."
"The whole hearted co-operation of the Coventry club is to be commended in agreeing to this late kick-off, and it is hoped their reward will be shown by the density of spectators, because whether home or away in the past only a handful have preferred to watch these encounters in preference to " viewing " or " listening in". "
"To-day it is possible to do both. A feast of rugby can be enjoyed from 2.30 p.m. until 7.30 p.m., with the necessary break in between for a meal, wash and brush-up and a steady meander to this ground."
"The Coventry club is one of the oldest (formed 1873) and one of the strongest in the Midlands. Many famous players have worn their blue and white jerseys, and to-day they have Allison (full back), Jackson (wing threequarter), Robbins (forward) and Hutt (reserve forward) at Twickenham."
"To-date their record reads Won 15, Drawn 2, Lost 4, Pts. for 280, Pts. against 130."
"Since 1948 five games have beeen played here and Coventry have yet to record their first win. Four games have been played at Coventry, Newport have won two, drawn one, lost one with one game cancelled in 1955 through snow and frost."
"Our visitors were eager to sample floodlight football and during the week were given permission to train under lights on the Coventry City ground."
"Malcolm Thomas and Bryn Meredith are on duty for Wales this afternoon. Leighton Jenkins, who also missed last week's game with London Welsh, has a heavy cold, so Glyn Davidge moves from the second row to the back row of the pack. Roy Webb will be alongside Ian Ford and Harry Morgan resumes his partnership with Brian Scrivens. Jack Hurrell who has had a severe attack of tonsilitis has been selected for the United this afternoon. He has been out of football since late November."
"Next Wednesday another evening match has been arranged. The postponed game with Neath will be under lights, kick-off 7 p.m."
"NEWPORT RUGBY SUPPORTERS' NOTES."
"Our congratulations are extended to Bryn Meredith on his selection for Wales against the Wallabies and again to-day at Twickenham, this time in company with Malcolm Thomas who has thoroughly merited inclusion in the national side by the fine form he has displayed in Newport matches this season."
"Although Wales won comfortably at Cardiff against the tourists, many weaknesses manifested themselves, weaknesses which would almost certainly have proved fatal against to-day's opposition; so let us hope that the changes made have had the desired effect, and that the Welsh side has emerged victorious from what will, no doubt, have proved a very stern tussle."
"It is to be hoped that the N.A.C's action in staging to-day's game under the floodlights, thus enabling players and spectators alike to view the England-Wales encounter on television without having to forgo the club game, will prove a successful innovation and be supported by a good gate, thereby pointing the way for future occasions when club and international fixtures clash."
"Coventry, who so willingly consented to the Club's proposals for a late kick-off, are also weakened by international calls, but we may nevertheless rely upon them to produce some fast and entertaining football."