Newport were once again hit hard by injuries in 1971-72. Captain John Jeffrey was injured in the very first match and was out until October and only played 24 of the 49 matches. To add to the problems international hooker Vic Perrins retired on health grounds. Paul Evans took over the captaincy and proved to be an effective leader and was also one of Newport's most consistent players.
Laurie Daniel scored 30 tries and put himself third in the all-time list behind Arthur Gould and John Lane. Keith James set a new drop goal record with 20 goals.
There was hope for the future with the emergence of young backs Allan Evans, Keith James, Roger Francis and Gerry Fuller. Newport conceded 571pts during the season and this was not helped by inconsistent forward play.
This was the first season of the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup and Newport reached the quarter-finals only to lose at Aberavon. Newport having beaten Llanelli in the 1st round of the Snelling 7's lost to Neath.
Laurie Daniel became the first Newport player to score over 300pts in a season, he scored 305pts which included 30 tries. Paul Evans scored 20 tries from his 37 appearances. Centre Norman Edwards led the appearances on 43 followed by Allan Evans on 41.
