In 1895-96 Arthur Boucher took over as captain in what was a great season with only 2 defeats from 26 matches scoring 350pts to only 50. Tom Pearson, captain of Cardiff in 1892-93 and probably the best wing threequarter at the time joined and was outstanding as was halfback G. Llewellyn Lloyd who won his first cap against Ireland within a few days of his 19th birthday in his first season of first class rugby.

30 players were used with Arthur Boucher (2), Joe Jenkins (24), Bert Dauncey (23), Arthur Gould (23) Harry Packer (23) leading the appearances. Tom Pearson scored 21 tries from 22 appearances while Arthur Gould scored 16t and 5dg.

Turning to other sports in 1896 the National Cycling Union Championships were held at Rodney Parade. The meeting bringing together the finest amateur and professional riders in the world. The Sketch of 1st July 1896 reported "The chief attraction at the Championship Cycle Sports held at Newport lately was, of course, the famous Russian rider Diakoff, who, after his victory in the five-mile amateur championship race, received almost an ovation. In spite of the nature of the "British dirt" course, he covered the last half-mile in 59 3/5th sec."