From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"CALLING ALL OLD NEWPORT PLAYERS!"
"As next season is the Centenary Season of Newport Athletic Club, the rugby section intend holding an "Old Players' Re-union" in the Rodney Hall, on a date to be announced later. In order that anyone who has played for any of the Newport teams are not missed when the invitations are sent out, 'Old Players' are requested to send their name and address to the club office marked for the attention of Mr. B. J. Jones."
"With such a hard holiday programme, the selectors are delighted to have the services of students Gerald Fuller, David Rees, David Burcher and Steve Willis. All these highly promising backs will help ease the strain on the players who have been playing two games a week for the last month. It is also pleasing to note the arrival of Steve Phillips on the Rodney Parade scene, this highly promising scrum half from Machen, made his first team debut at Penarth, and according to reports fitted in very well. With regular first team scrum half Alan Evans getting married today {we all extend our very best wishes to Alan and his bride to be Mary) his arrival could not have been better timed. The Black and Ambers have had many fine players from Machen, Bill Everson, Malcolm Thomas and John Anthony to mention three, who knows, Steve could well follow in their footsteps. Another youngster who could well make his debut before the end of the season is Youth international Richard Taylor. With the youth internationals now complete the selectors may decide to give him a taste of first class rugby ready for next season when he is certain to make a strong challenge to join former youth team mate Rhys Morgan in the first XV pack."
"On behalf of everyone connected with the Newport Club I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating J. P. R. Williams and Clive Rees on their selection for the forthcoming British Lions tour to South Africa. They are certain to uphold the name of their club and country on and off the field. In concluding today's notes, I would like to remind Gerald Davies that Newport is only twelve miles from Cardiff and we play good rugby."
"TODAY'S VISITORS"
"Although this season has seen London Welsh fall well below their very high standard, they are still one of the most attractive sides in the country as well as being a great crowd puller. When one considers that they are still able to call on nine or ten Welsh internationals, this is understandable. The Exiles' contribution to rugby football over the last ten years has been tremendous and it can certainly be considered their 'golden era'."
"Formed in 1885, the club have provided exile Welshmen living in the metropolis the opportunity of playing the game which means so much to them, and also to take part in other activities that play such an important part in the lives of Welshmen. The club's first player to wear the scarlet jersey of Wales was W. H. Thomas in 1885 and since that date a continual stream of talent has followed including such names as A. F. Harding, H. T. Maddocks, Windsor H. Lewis, W. C. Powell, A, M. Rees, V. G. J. Jenkins, N. Glyn Davies, R. H. Davies, J. Leleu and W. H. (Billy) Raybould (who will ever forget his magnificent contribution to Newport's victory over the last Springboks?)."
"When the 1971 Lions toured Australasia under Abercarn-born John Dawes (no, it is not true that London Welshmen have renamed 1st March St. John's Day) they had in their ranks no less than seven 'Exiles', J. P. R. Williams, Gerald Davies, Geoff Evans, Mike Roberts, John Taylor (this season's captain), Mervyn Davies. Of these 'magnificent seven', five - J. P. R., Gerald, John (Basil Brush), Mervyn (the Swerve) and the skipper played in all four memorable test matches versus the All Blacks, and will live for ever in rugby's "Hall of Fame". J.P.R. has this season become the club's most capped player and will tour with the Lions in South Africa this May, as will the club's latest international Clive Rees. We offer them our congratulations and best wishes."
"As well as distinguishing themselves in the 15 a side game, the club have won the Middlesex Sevens for the last three years, and it is certain that present team coach John Dawes (whom we wish every success as the new National Team Coach) will be striving to continue this success this season."
"On checking through their records, it is noted that the wearers of the scarlet jersey with the crest of a red dragon on their left breast, defeated a Ceylon Up Country XV by 108 points to 4 points during their 1972 tour. Although I am certain that this score will not be repeated this afternoon, they will certainly be striving to complete the double having won very convincingly at Old Deer Park earlier in the season. But 'Exiles' beware, for the spirit of Newport has been rekindled by former exile John Ryan."