From the match programme for the game in which Keith Poole set an individual first team appearance record for Newport RFC:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"Many thanks to all those members and supporters who quite rightly informed me that 'the Barbarians' game was not our last home game of the season, and even more thanks to those who saved me further embarrassment by refraining to mention it!!"
"This evening sees the curtain fall on another season to add to Newport's glorious past. The first team under captain David Burcher have defied all the critics by once again reaching the final of the Schweppes Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup. Everyone except those diehard Newport fanatics gave us no chance in the semi-final versus Aberavon. But they had forgotten the Black and Ambers ability to rise to the occasion and also that the team had shown their ability in gaining a fine victory over 'the Barbarians' in probably the worst conditions ever experienced at Rodney Parade. April 1st, 1978 has now passed into history and we are all looking forward to the final versus Swansea at the National Stadium on Saturday 29thApril, 1978."
"The selection committee have been under pressure during the last few weeks due to injuries, agreeing to play our Australian tour players only once a week, and keeping everyone in mind for the Cup Final. Unfortunately, during this period our fixtures have been against powerful clubs such as Cardiff and Pontypool. The heavy defeats suffered at the hands of both these clubs have been hard to swallow by Black and Amber fans everywhere, and it is certainly no way to end the season. But I am certain all will be forgiven if victory is achieved on the 29th."
"Congratulations must be expressed to Gareth Evans (no, not on his two brilliant tries against Aberavon), Brynmor Williams and Jeff Squire on their selection to tour Australia with Wales during May/June. We are confident that they will not only distinguish themselves, good luck Brynmor on gaining that illusive 'cap', but enhance the reputation of the Newport Club. We will certainly miss them in British Columbia, but the selected party are confident that they can return with a record to be proud of both on and off the field."
"The committee and players would like to express their sincere thanks for your continued support this season."
"Tonight belongs to Keith Poole, everyone at Rodney Parade congratulates him on breaking Ian Ford's 1st team appearance record of 482 games. A detailed appreciation appears elsewhere, make it a Night to Remember for him. Well done Keith!!"
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"Tonight we are delighted to welcome the oldest first class club in Wales, to end our home campaign for 1977-78. Although they commenced the season in a blaze of glory, the 'All Blacks' have been very inconsistent for the remainder. They have achieved a number of outstanding victories but like ourselves will be pleased to forget their visit to Pontypool Park."
"Coaches Martyn Davies and Mike Thomas, had high hopes after such a promising start to recapture the glory days at the Gnoll. Unfortunately a series of circumstances including the loss of Glyn Shaw to Rugby League and John Poole to Pontypridd, did not help their cause and it is certain that Lady Luck will be kinder next season."
"With such talented players as Wynne Davies, his brother Peter, Elgan Rees, David Cole, Robert Hughes and Wilson Lauder available, the Maltese Cross will once again be a force to be feared, as the Black and Ambers found to their cost at the Gnoll on the 17th September, 1977, when the All Blacks destroyed Newport to win by 24 pts. to 10 pts."
"Since our two clubs first met in 1878-79, we have played 143 games with the Black and Ambers winning 78, the All Blacks 51 and 12 being Drawn. Like all our other visitors, Neath have found victories at Rodney Parade hard to come by, in actual fact they have only achieved 8, the last being in 1972-73."
"During their long and illustrious history the 'Welsh All Blacks' have made a tremendous contribution to rugby football both on and off the field. As one would expect, many of their greatest names are forwards, Rees Stephens, Roy John, Courtney Meredith, Ron Waldron, Brian Sparks, Brian Thomas, Glyn Shaw, Walter Williams, Wilson Lauder and Dai Morris. This does not mean that the immaculate Grahame Hodgson, the effervescent Viv Evans, the speedy Keith Maddocks and Cyril Roberts were not players of class. Everyone connected with rugby football at Neath and elsewhere in Wales remember them all with great affection."
"Welcome Neath, may you continue to visit Rodney Parade and produce your brand of rugby in the future."
"KEITH POOLE - THIS IS YOUR NIGHT"
"The date was the 25th September, 1963, the venue was Rodney Parade, the opponents Gloucester, and the Black and Ambers included a young, tall and lean wing forward (the days before they were called flankers) by the name of Keith Poole. It marked the debut of a player who over the next fourteen years was to become a permanent fixture in the Newport team. Thanks to his marvellous fitness and dedication to the game and his club he has been admired by spectators throughout the country. His play has always been of the highest order and no outside half he has ever played against can say they had an easy game. He has played against all the worlds top outside halves during his remarkable career and it is certain that they will all remember him, even if it is not with too much affection. Unfortunately for Keith, the admiration he earned from his fellow players was not shared by the selectors. The games top honours have passed him by, but it is certain that when he runs out onto Rodney Parade this evening to set up a new individual 1st team appearance record of 483 games, he will feel well satisfied with his rugby career. When asked his greatest memories, Keith named Newport's 3-0 victory over the 1963 All Blacks, only his second senior game, and last seasons Cup Final victory. I doubt if any Black and Amber supporter would argue with his choice. Keith travels to Canada with the team in May to add to South Africa, America, Germany and Italy he has already visited. With the pressures of modern day rugby it is difficult to see his record ever being beaten, but only time will tell. Congratulations Keith, everyone at Rodney Parade salutes you on a 'Night to Remember'. "