History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Today's match with neighbouring Hereford is the prelude to Newport rugby team's exacting campaign in the first division of the Heineken League. Hereford should not only provide some entertaining rugby on their first visit to Rodney Parade, but they should also make sure that Newport will undergo a searching test."

"There have been several changes on and off the field for Newport. Absentees from the playing ranks include Alun Harries the club's top scorer last season, who has returned to Newbridge, his original club, and Gary Abraham who has taken up an appointment in the London area, where he plans to play for Rosslyn Park."

"To offset the departure of this pair Newport have secured several new?comers. Among them is the promising young Bristol centre Justin Redrup, who has already gained Welsh under-21 honours after turning down an invitation to join England's junior squad. Much is expected of Redrup and many of the other young players on Newport's register, notably David Llewellyn, Jonathan Westwood, Mark Davis and Ben Watkins."

"Off the field the most significant move has been the appointment as team manager of David Watkins, the one-time favourite of the Newport crowd and whose illustrious career figures prominently in the history of both the Rugby Union and the Rugby League. From 1961-2 until 1967-8 he delighted rugby followers throughout Wales with his skilful play. Capped 21 times by Wales, he captained the British Lions in two Tests against New Zealand and toured South Africa with the Welsh international team."

"His achievements for Newport were many. He captained the first team for three successive seasons, dropped 55 goals for them, scored 228 points and paved the way for numerous tries by his colleagues. In 1963 he was in the Newport team who defeated Wilson Whineray's all Blacks, and three years later he kicked the penalty goal which enabled Newport to draw 3-3 with the Australians."

"In 1964-5 Watkins helped Wales to win the Triple Crown, and he later captained his country in three Rugby Union internationals, distinguishing himself with his astute and imaginative moves as well as his try scoring and goal kicking ability."

"His decision to turn professional with Salford Rugby League club was a big blow to Newport and Wales generally, but now after a distinguished career in the Rugby League, where he played for and coached Great Britain's team, he has returned to the club who put him on the path to fame, eager to give their players the benefit of his vast experience and expertise."

"WELCOME, HEREFORD . . ."

"Hereford, tonight's visitors to Rodney Parade, are the first of six clubs from beyond the Welsh borders who will play Newport this season. It will also be the first time for Hereford to oppose the Black and Amber first team, though they previously played Newport United at home and away. One of their present players, centre Gus Grisman, captained them against the United at Newport three seasons ago, and he is still going strong for them in the Courage League."

"Last season was a successful one for Hereford, though it ended on a disappointing note, for they were pipped for promotion to the third division of England's Courage League by a single point. The title went to Aspatria, who Hereford had defeated 21 -18 at home. That was the only league defeat Aspatria suffered."

"Still, there was consolation for the resourceful Hereford team, for they carried off the North Midlands Knock-out Cup, defeating Worcester in the final in which they were taking part for the fourth time in five years."

"Hereford are again captained for the second successive season by that excellent second row forward Spencer Goodall, and a newcomer to the pack is Staffordshire county player Richard Rowland, who has moved from Burton. Another new player is Ian Kyffin, formerly of Wrexham, and to Hereford's great satisfaction Jamie Rogers, a thrustful threequarter, has rejoined from Gloucester."

"And from France to join Hereford has come Alexandre Barronier, who will be available for a year while on work experience in the cathedral city. He plays for the French first division club, Bourg-en-Bresse, where Wales beat France 23-11 in a B internatonal back in 1983-84"

"KEPT FIT OVERSEAS . . ."

"Apart from their pre-season training sessions quite a number of Newport players have been kept active on the rugby fields of the world during the summer."

"Scrum half David Llewellyn and hooker Paul Corten have been playing in New Zealand, prop forward Mark Davis has been in Italy taking part in the World Students tournament, and centre Roger Bidgood went to Russia with the Barbarians."

"Jonathan Westwood and Shaun McGauchie were with the Crawshay squad in France, and Kevin Withey and Paul Turner made tracks for the Netherlands, where they played in the Amsterdam Sevens."