History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"Newport Rugby Club begin their 1992-3 Heineken League campaign with high hopes, boosted by the knowledge that they fully matched Swansea, the first division champions, for eighty minutes in the semi-final of the Schweppes Cup at the end of April. It was only in extra time that the West Walians succeeded in dashing Newport's hopes of qualifying for the final for the fourth time in the competition's history."

"Soon after the cup-tie Newport's chairman, Jeff Watkins, could not have uttered a more rousing battle cry as he looked forward to the new season, which got under way at Rodney Parade this afternoon. Speaking at the club's annual dinner he declared, "There are bigger and better things to come for Newport". "

"The responsibility, of course, for ensuring that this prophecy proves accurate rests on the players and their coaches. Obviously, supporters are hoping that this responsibility will hang lightly on their shoulders and that the players will produce the type of rugby which will put them on course for individual and collective honours and, at the same time, give their supporters bright entertainment."

"Newport's captain, Glenn George, who is leading the team for a record fifth time, certainly views the new season with great confidence, and he has already expressed the opinion that "the players we have here will do the job". Naturally, club members and supporters are waiting to see what impact David Watkins, the new team manager, has already made at Rodney Parade since he returned to the scene of his Rugby Union triumphs after spending a quarter of a century in the Rugby League."

"As a distinguished performer in both codes he should have much to offer, and it now remains to be seen how the players, particularly the younger ones, will respond to the advice Watkins and the other coaches are able to give them. Many of the players, of course, are not lacking in experience, and they have the ability to adapt themselves to any new ideas or methods which may be introduced."

"The first nine weeks of the season will certainly give the players plenty of opportunities to justify themselves - and their officials' confidence - for they have to face nine tough league matches, beginning today against Maesteg."

"Numerous changes have been made in the laws of the game, and one of the most significant has been to increase the value of a try to five points. This departure alone should lead to a greater urgency to score tries, and, at the same time, provide their supporters with more attractive rugby.

"IN HARLEQUINS SEVENS . . ."

"A squad of Newport players will be off to London this weekend. There they will take part in the Harlequins-Lords Taverners seven-a-side tournament."

"Newport, who won the Harlequins Sevens last season, will be accompanied by a Cardiff squad, and among other teams entered for the tournament are an England side, and the Italian and French Barbarians."

"MAESTEG'S MIXED FORTUNES . . ."

2Maesteg, today's visitors to Rodney Parade, will have mixed feelings about their recent experiences with Newport! Last season they crashed to a 48-6 defeat against Glenn George's team, one of the heaviest setbacks they suffered in what was for them a wretched Heineken League campaign."

"Yet the previous season they had cause to leave Rodney Parade in high glee, for they defeated Newport 11-3. It was the only league defeat Newport sustained in that competition, and Maesteg's victory did much to ensure them promotion to the top division - in company with Newport."

"Unfortunately, Maesteg were unable to make much progress in the latter division, and it was not until their last match that they recorded their only league victory. And what a success it was, for they triumphed by 18 points to 15 against their keen rivals, Bridgend.

"Despite their misfortunes on the field, several Maesteg players were in demand by outside selectors. Huw Woodland, their fair-haired centre, who has attracted the attention of Rugby League scouts, was called up for training with the Welsh squad during the summer. He had previously been selected for the Welsh Counties XV to play the Welsh Academicals and the Welsh President's squad for the Sevens tournament in Eire and Ulster."

"Alan Williams was also selected for the Irish tournament, and he was one of four Maesteg players who were selected for Glamorgan County R.F.C.'s centenary trip to France. The others were Jonathan Dodd, David Williams and Paul Scott."

"Like other clubs, Maesteg have had a few changes both off and on the field as they prepared for the new season, during which they are determined to retain their place in the top division. Among their newcomers is the massively-built lock forward Paul Matthews. He stands 6ft 6ins and weighs 17 stone, and previously played for Porthcawl."