History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"After last week's SWALEC Cup game, Pontypool get back to Heineken League action today with the visit of Newport. This is, of course, Newport's second visit to Pontypool in successive weeks - last Saturday they played Pontypool United at the Memorial Ground and achieved a hard fought 10-0 cup victory. Newport will now play Cardiff Harlequins in the next round. The Black & Ambers' last league encounter resulted in a fine 17-0 victory over Neath at Rodney Parade."

"Newport will be chasing the season's double this afternoon, having beaten Pontypool 20pts to 9 at Rodney Parade last October. David Watkins believes his side need about another four points to make their first division status safe and they appear to have the squad to do it."

"The longest serving member of the present Newport team is former Welsh international David Waters, who has made 651 appearances for his home town club. He has proved a loyal and faithful servant to Newport R.F.C. and we congratulate him on reaching this particular milestone. Here's to the next 650, David!"

"The best news for Pontypool this week, of course, was hooker Nigel Meek's selection for the Welsh team to play England at Cardiff next Saturday. Nigel is Pontypool's first full cap since Garin Jenkins last season. Congratulations, Nigel, and we all hope you are in the Welsh team for a long time to come. Congratulations also to Lyndon Mustoe on his selection for the Wales B team to play Holland. This is a step nearer to the senior side for Lyndon."

"Other good news recently was the decision of Mark Ring to rejoin Pontypool. Welcome back, Mark. It's also welcome back to Bleddyn Taylor, Gareth Lintern and Gareth Taylor, while Ioan Bebb and Chris Bridges are also very welcome additions to the squad."

"Following last Saturday's Cup win at Colwyn Bay, Pontypool have been drawn against the winners of the postponed Pontypridd versus Pencoed tie. The next round of the Cup is scheduled for Saturday, 27th February."

"Pontypool's next league game is against Swansea at St. Helens on Saturday, 13th February, while the next home game is against Glamorgan Wanderers on Tuesday, 16th February, kick-off 7.00pm."

"It is good to see new players joining the club, but on the deficit side utility back and ace goal kicker, Martin Jones, has joined Glamorgan Wanderers. Martin completed his century of points for the season when he kicked two penalty goals against Bridgend. That was a game that Pontypool should have won, given the amount of possession that the forwards won."