History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Today's Visitors - Newport"

"Black and amber was first seen on the rugby field back in 1875 when J. Leonard led the Club to an undefeated first season. In fact defeat did not come until their fifth season, by which time the Club had moved to Rodney Parade."

"This season Glen George and Alun Carter have taken the total of Welsh Internationals, from the Club to 130. There have also been 7 English, 2 Irish, a Scot and a South African capped from the Club."

"The 70's and 80's have seen the Club slip from the top of the tree and the Schweppes Cup victory in 1976-77 being the only trophy won in the past two decades."

"Poor performances in the Merit Table meant the Club was doomed to start the Heineken League in division one, but a 100% record to date means the Club will be back in the top flight for next season."

"Twenty-six year old flanker GLEN GEORGE is in his third term as Newport captain. He took over for the 88-9 season from prop Rhys Morgan."

"This season has seen the tireless flanker earn international reward. He led the Wales B side for their first international with Holland. He played in the first Five Nations, match of the season against England. He retained his place for the Murrayfield international but lost it to Martyn Morris for the Irish game."

"Newport are runaway leaders in division one having won all eight league matches and have scored 329 points on the way. The biggest victory coming away from home at PENARTH where they ran in 16 tries in the 78 points to 3 win."

"Leading try scorer is scrum half DAVID LLEWELLYN with 15 (9 in the league). He is closely followed by ex-Bath wing Fred Sagoe 12 (4 in the league). Former No. 8 Phil Booth also has 12 tries for the Club (8 league)."

"Leading points scorer is outside half PAUL TURNER with 212 points (3t, 43c, 33p, 5dg). He was the leading points scorer in Wales until Arwel Parry collected an individual record last Wednesday."

"GARY ABRAHAM is second to Turner in the Newport scoring list with 92 points, (3t, 19c, 14p)."

"Flanker ALUN CARTER, like his captain, played in the first two Five Nations Championship matches before losing his place for the game against Ireland."

"As well as a 100% Heineken League record Newport have also defeated Premier League opposition in PONTYPOOL (30-9), CARDIFF (34-9), SWANSEA (22-10), NEATH (19-7), BRIDGEND (28-6) and ABERTILLERY (19-7)."