For the fourth season in succession Newport failed to beat Cardiff in 1908-09. Charlie Pritchard was captain but only played 6 matches and Tommy Vile the vice-captain again took over. Newport narrowly lost to Australia (3 v 5) after a fine display. Jack P. Jones, a player of repute from Pontypool, joined. He had toured with the British Lions and made his debut in November 1908 vs Gloucester and from that day onward there appeared to be method in Newport's attacking play. Jack was a great centre with an eye for a gap and a fine kicker. Irish International Tom Smyth had a post at the Royal Gwent Hospital and also joined. Harold Jarman joined from Talywain - he was fast and a strong scrummager and was capped for Wales the following season. The most notable forward success was Phil Waller, a fine all round player who eventually was to go to South Africa with the British Lions in 1910 and remain there. When war broke out he enlisted and made the great sacrifice. 34 players were used with Melville Baker missing just 1 match at 32 apps, Walter Martin 31, Fred Birt 30 and Tommy Vile 29. Melville Baker also easily headed the scorers with 20 tries.