1926-27 under new captain Dr William Roche saw two unenviable records set - the first time the club had lost 16 games and a record number of points - 343 - conceded. This was 3 times the number conceded in the invincible season of 1922-23. The team showed variable form throughout the season from inspired to poor.

To be fair they suffered from more than the usual injuries and also the loss of key men to the professional code. Eddie Dowdall and Dai Jones to Wigan and eventually George Andrews to Leeds.

Vince Griffiths did his best without an adequate replacement for Dowdall. Injuries did not allow a settled three-quarters and 14 different players were used. George Andrews played brilliantly before he joined Leeds and Stock and Goldsworthy were always most reliable. Captain William Roche had an uneasy time leading at times a ragged pack but even so forwards Harry Phillips and Dai Jones played for Wales and W. C. Morgan proved to be an excellent find. D. E. J. (Jack) Hughes also proved to be one of the best new ones. Bill Everson played consistently and occasionally brilliantly at full back. On 21st October 1926 Newport held the touring Maoris to a pointless draw.

George Andrews scored 24t and Vince Griffiths (37), Bill Everson (35) and Ron Herrera (35) - the Welsh international who had joined from Cross Keys - made the most appearances