1952-53 saw new captain Roy Burnett facing a difficult time with the team being rebuilt. Even so they would have retained their Welsh Championship except for an unexpected defeat at Newbridge (11 v 6) in the last match of the season.

Once again Burnett and Williams were the key men. Wing John lane had scored 23 tries in 25 games but broke his arm and was not adequately replaced.

Poor centre play didn't help Newport's other wing Ken Jones while Newport's goal kicking wasn't helped by the retirement of Ben Edwards. Pick of the forwards were hooker Lyn Davies and newcomers Leighton Jenkins and Ian Ford. John Lane was leading try scorer with 23t while Malcolm Thomas kicked 8p,12c as well as scoring 11t. Peter Davies played in 40 games and newcomer Ian Ford 38.