History of Newport RFC :: 1874

"During the next seven weeks Newport will have only three more home matches. They will, however, stage a match featuring the South Africans on Wednesday night, October 26. Much to the keen disappointment of very many rugby followers throughout the county, the touring side will not be opposed by Monmouthshire or Newport. Instead, the Welsh Rugby Union have seen fit to pit their A team against the South Africans."

"They made this decision despite the efforts of the Gwent representatives on the Welsh Rugby Union to obtain a fixture for Monmouthshire county or Newport, who both defeated the last touring South African national team with whom Wales just managed to force a draw."

"Newport, in fact, have an excellent record against South Africa, and in their club museum hangs a stuffed Springbok's head which was presented to Newport after they had beaten an earlier national team from South Africa."

"Newport achieved their great 11-6 victory over the 1969 Springboks as a result of tries scored by Alan Skirving and David Cornwall, and a penalty goal and conversion by their captain, John Anthony. The South Africans' points came from two penalty goals by outside half Petrus Visagie."

"Newport's team on that memorable occasion were: John Anthony, Laurie Daniels, Ivor Taylor, David Cornwall, Alan Skirving; Gwilyn Treharne, Bill Raybould; Barry Llewellyn, Vic Perrins, Garry Sutton, Len Martin, J. Watkins, Del Haines, Paul Watts and Keith Poole."

"Newport also distinguished themselves when they held that powerful 1960 Springboks combination, captained by Avril Malan, to a narrow 3-0 victory. The team who wore the black and amber jerseys that day were: Barry Edwards, Clive Lewis, Gordon Britton, Brian Jones (captain), Peter Rees; Billy Watkins, Billy Griffiths; Des Greenslade, Bryn Meredith, Neville Johnson, Ian Ford, Brian Price, Geoff Whitson, Glyn Meredith and Brian Cresswell."

"Incidentally, Dawie de Villiers, who captained the 1969 Springboks against Newport, was later appointed the South African ambassador to Britain, and as such he was one of the guests at a Newport Rugby Club dinner. He is now a member of the South African government."

"TODAY'S VISITORS . . . "

"WELCOME BACK, BARBARIANS"

"The annual visit of the Barbarians to Rodney Parade has always been one of the principal fixtures on Newport Rugby Club's programme, and tonight the star-studded Baa-Baas will receive the usual enthusiastic reception when they run on the pitch."

"Win or lose, the Barbarians have always succeeded in maintaining the highest standard of sportsmanship and, at the same time, showing how rugby should be played with the emphasis on bright, attractive and skilful entertainment. It is in fact, almost as great an honour to be invited to play for the Barbarians as it is to winning a cap."

"Throughout the years Newport and the Barbarians have figured in some remarkable matches. There was, for instance, that amazing game in 1972-3 when the Barbarians defeated Newport 60-15. The figure of sixty was of special significance to the Barbarians, for the 1973 tour marked the sixtieth year since their then president, Brigadier Glyn Hughes, made his first rugby tour of Wales."

"As the Barbarians strolled through a weak Newport defence they agreed among themselves to limit their scoring to sixty points, realising that it was well within their capabilities to do so! Because of this, the England international John Gray deliberately kicked the ball wide when he was called upon to attempt to convert John Spencer's third and the Barbarians' 12th try."

"Gray afterwards explained that the Barbarians thought it would be "a nice gesture to Brigadier Hughes and give him something special to remember if they scored sixty points to mark his sixtieth anniversary!" "

"Brigadier Hughes later told Newport officials, "Newport is a very famous club. You may have gone through a bad spell, but you will surely rise again." They certainly did, for the following season Newport gained their revenge by defeating the Barbarians 16-0 before embarking on a successful tour of the West Country, where they defeated Penzance, Camborne and Falmouth."

"Once again tonight the Barbarians are fielding a team of outstanding players, and this time it will be their turn to go seeking to turn the tables on Newport, who last season defeated them 35-19."

"RODNEY ROUNDUP . . . "

"Former Dunvant prop forward Wayne Phillips, who has just joined Newport, came to Rodney Parade last season with the West Wales team, but he was assigned to the replacements' bench. He has switched to Newport mainly because his employment has taken him to Bath, whose rugby club's "scouts" were apparently not aware of this fact!"

"Newport have not forgotten their old friends who have lost their place in the first division of the Heineken League - Cross Keys and Maesteg - who will both be played next month. Newport will also play Penarth later in the season. These three fixtures are a clear indication that some Welsh clubs still believe in loyalty to each other!"

"Promising centre Martyn Llewellyn has returned to Durham University, but he hopes to be available for Newport during vacations. Also studying at various universities are Alun Carter and Gareth Rees."

"Newport Rugby Club's youth team have a number of new fixtures lined up for them this season. They include Bournemouth, Mold, British Army Colts, Loughborough College, and Rumney. At Rumney they will probably bump into Roger Powell, Newport first team's coach, and Roger Bidgood, the former Newport first team captain."

"Back on duty at Newport committee meetings, both for the club and the Former Players' Association, is Ron Davies. He is recovering from a serious illness contracted during a holiday abroad in the summer."