From the match programme:-
"CLUB NOTES"
"During the close season a great deal of activity has been taking place at Rodney Parade, both on and off the field. It is certain that everyone who visits the ground this season will be impressed with the new stand roof, the complete new floodlighting system and also all the painting and cleaning of the stadium that has taken place. These great Improvements have cost the club a great deal of money, and the Management and Football Committee's are to be congratulated in seeing that the facilities at Rodney Parade are keeping pace with modern times."
"Many changes have taken place both in the playing staff and on the administration side during the summer (I have it on good authority from the Met Office that the sun will start to shine now that the rugby season has commenced). Mr. R. T. (Bob) Evens, has been appointed Chairman, for his third period In office. His contribution to the Black and Ambers both as a player of great ability and a dedicated administrator has been immense and it is certain that he will give the right kind of leadership. Geoff Evans has been elected for his fourth term as first team captain, and all Rodney Parade regulars know that he is well aware of what is required from him. Lets hope his season will be clear of injuries end that he can recapture the form that made him one of the games leading flank forwards. He has elected British Lion Gareth Evans as his vice captain, and it is certain he will take his duties seriously and thrive on the extra responsibility. It has been all change on the Coaching Staff, with the retirement of John Ryan. His assistant from the last two seasons Sid Jeffrey has been appointed to succeed him, and he will be assisted by Adrian Hearne, who spent many happy seasons at Rodney Parade as a player. Alan Evans, will be coaching the Youth XV and also keeping his usual high degree of fitness, in case he is needed to play for either side in an emergency."
"The coaches have been putting the players through a tough pre season build up, and although there have been the usual moans and groans they are right behind the coaches, captain and vice captain in their determination to achieve further honours for the Newport Club. Honours have already started to come our way with Brynmor Williams, being selected to play for John Dawes XV at Twickenham to-day, and Jeff Watkins joining the Crawshay touring party in the West Country next week. Everyone at Rodney Parade was delighted that Brynmor gained that illusive 'cap' out in Australia, and we hope it is the first of many."
"New faces who have joined the playing staff are David Barry (Cardiff), Steve O'Donoghue (Pontypool), Jeff McCabe (Cross Keys) and Mark McJennett (Cardiff). They are all very welcome and we hope their stay will be a long and pleasant one."
"WELCOME TO RODNEY PARADE"
"This afternoon we are delighted to open our 1978-79 season by welcoming Coventry to Rodney Parade, for their first visit since the 19th January, 1968. Due to difficulties over dates when the International matches were on set Saturdays both clubs decided to break off fixtures until it was possible to agree on suitable dates. Last season Newport visited Caundon Road for the first time since the 18th January, 1969, and won a fast exciting game by 21pts to 17pts. The Black and Amber points were scored by Chris Webber 3 PC's, Jeff Cranton, Rhys Morgan and Bryan Lease tries."
"Formed in 1873-74, Coventry have contributed a great deal to Midland and English rugby both on and off the field. Their most capped player is David Duckham, who will always be remembered for his dynamic play on the wing with the 1971 Lions In New Zealand. It has been argued in many quarters that if he had been born a Welshman and played in the Welsh team of the late 60's and early 70's he would have been one of the all time greats. The Clubs present President Peter Jackson is recognised as one of the great wing three quarters. He dazzled New Zealand in 1959 as well as scoring many memorable tries at H.Q. Other players who readily spring to mind have worn the Navy and White hooped jersey and the White jersey with distinction during the last few years are Keith Fairbrother, Fran Calton, Alan Cawman, Peter Preece, Geoff Evans, John Barton, Harry Godwin, Doug Allison, Tim Dalton and Peter Rossborough."
"On checking through the records it is interesting to note that the two clubs first met on the 17th November 1890, at Coventry, when T.C. Graham's team won by 1G 2T to Nil. The first game between the two clubs at Rodney Parade, took place on the 22nd October 1892, when T.C. Graham was still captain and Newport won by 23pts. to Nil. Prior to the 1st World War the clubs met on 13 occasions, with Newport winning them all. Between the two World Wars the teams only met 5 times and again Newport won them all. Since the 2nd World War the teams have met on 18 occasions, Newport winning 11 Coventry 6 and 2 being Drawn. Of their five victories, Coventry have only achieved one at Rodney Parade. That historic day was the 18th January 1958 when Leighton Jenkin's team were defeated by 8pts. to 3pts."
"But enough about records, rugby football is more than statistics, it is about friends old end new, and we are confident that this will be uppermost In the minds of both clubs to-day. Welcome Coventry, may your visit be a memorable one and may Alf Wyman and Nye Williams ensure they continue."