From the match programme:
"Club Notes"
"Congratulations to Colin Smart on his selecton for today's England Divisional Matches, which will give him the opportunity of staking his claim to adding to his present collection of England Caps. Having only returned to his first team duty at Bristol last Saturday, everyone at Rodney Parade will be hoping that he has fully recovered from injury and, although he will be missing from Rodney Parade for a few weeks through "trial commitments", we look forward to his name appearing in the England Squad when it is announced."
"Another Newport player who deserves our congratulations is Stuart Barnes who, having returned to Bassaleg school following his brilliant displays in both the Snelling and National Sevens in a Black and Amber jersey, has been elected captain of the Welsh Schools XV who play Yorkshire Schools at Cwmbran on Saturday, 10th January, 1981. Stuart is playing for the United today and could well make his 1st XV debut during the next few weeks."
"Everyone at Rodney Parade would like to extend their best wishes to Abertillery centre Terry Morgan, who broke his neck in last Saturday's game versus Bridgend. Accidents of this kind may not occur regularly in rugby football (thank goodness), but from time to time they remind us how dangerous the game can be. We all hope that Terry, who is in a critical condition at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary, recovers."
"In view of our early exit from this season's Cup competition, Fixtures Secretary, Bob Atkins, has arranged for South Glamorgan Institute, who defeated us last season, to visit Rodney Parade on Saturday next, 20th December."
"Welcome to Rodney Parade"
" "The Wizards", as they are affectionately known throughout the rugby world, arrive at Rodney Parade this afteroon full of confidence following their fine victory over Pontypridd at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Tuesday evening by 13 pts. to Nil. This victory followed a well deserved draw at Old Deer Park last Saturday and shows that Aberavon, under skipper Billy James and new coach Omri Jones, can be relied upon to offer stern opposition this afternoon."
"New coach, Omri Jones, will always be remembered for his all-action displays as a dynamic flank forward with "the Wizards" during his playing days, and if he can instil into the present squad of players at the Talbot Athletic Ground the same sense of pride and determination for the Club that he and his team mates displayed during their era, results are bound to follow."
"Billy James, who is in his second year of captaincy, has a well-balanced side under his control. The blend of youth and experience is being carried out very carefully. Behind the scrum, outside half Bernard Thomas directs operations as one would expect from a player of his experience. He is well served by Peter Nutty, while Wynford Lewis continues to impress with his attacking skills from the full back position. Wings, Paul Bamsey and Les Keene, are fine finishers and are well served by Keri Coslett and Gary Matthews. The skipper looks for support from the ageless Allan Martin and the wiley Richie Davies, as he guides Adrian Owen, Chris O'Callaghan and Steve Thomas into the hard forward jungle of rugby football."
"Welcome, Aberavon ? we are confident that today's game will contain everything that is good in Welsh Club Rugby."
"The Rugby Scene"
"Throughout history, letters of one kind and another have caused a great deal of controversy and it is certain that the one sent recently to all members of the Welsh Squad by the Chairman of Selectors, Mr. Keith Rowlands, on behalf of himself and his fellow selectors, will do the same. Some people will say that the letter was necessary for the future of Welsh rugby; some will say that the players should not have extra pressure placed upon them; some will say that the players are amateurs and should be allowed to look after their own fitness and some people will say that if the selectors consider players are not fit, they have the remedy in their own hands ? "don't pick those players". The arguments are many and no doubt we will hear all about them before and after the revised 'Squad' is named."
"The Newport Football Committee have announced that they hope to arrange a tour to the North of England and Scotland at the end of the season and, with this in mind and also the chance that you may be short of a few Christmas presents, why not help the Players' Tour Fund by purchasing the following from the Club Office: ?"
"Newport R.F.C. Woollen Scarves ? Special offer price ?1.50 {only a few left!!); Newport v N.Z. Special Ties - ?4.00 ? only a few left, why not remember the match? Newport R.F.C. Mugs ? 80p each; Sweaters; Sweatshirts; T. Shirts; Cloth Badges; Pinnits; Diaries ? all at various prices."
"The players are organising a Dance in the Rodney Hall for Boxing Night following the Watsonians game. Tickets, priced ?1.00 each, can be obtained from any player. Remember!! All the profit goes into the Players' Tour Fund."