History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Early season form can be both misleading and fluctuating, nevertheless tonight's very welcome visitors, Newport have made a splendid start to the season with victories over two of England's top teams, Coventry and Bristol. They have attracted much attention with an early season influx of threequarters and half backs."

"The early signs are that these quality players will blend with the established players at Rodney Parade in what could see a revival of the Black and Amber glory days, especially under the (inspiring leadership of Welsh Hooker Mike Watkins."

"Amongst their newcomers are Ruari Mcleen and Shaun McWilliams, two highly regarded threequarters from South Glamorgan Institute, while Bridgend players, centre, Paul Daniel and former Welsh international scrum half, Gerald Williams also seem poised to join Newport. However their most important capture appears to be the former Aberavon outside half Mike Lewis. Mike is an exciting runner and excellent place-kicker, in fact he holds the Aberavon points scoring record of 306, a record he set up two seasons ago. In all, Mike scored 894 points in 135 appearances for the Wizards. Whilst with Aberavon, Mike made one of his first appearances for that club here at Pontypool Park. When Andy Phillips returns from injury there will be keen competition for the No. 10 jersey in the Newport side, as there will be at scrum half where several players will be trying for that spot, a comforting thought for the Newport selectors."