Newport's fortunes under captain Geoff Evans in 1972-73 did not change for the better and the club suffered its worst in its long history losing 26 matches and being humiliated by the Barbarians at Easter by 15 v 60. Newport suffered heavy away defeats at Leicester, Bridgend, Aberavon, Llanelli, Neath and Abertillery but managed to win the fourth match against Cardiff . They also put up a creditable performance against the touring All Blacks only going down 15 v 20. Newport went ahead with a 6 match tour to South Africa and had to use 6 guest players and not surprisingly lost all 6 matches - losing to Transvaal 64 v 15.

There were a number of factors contributing to the poor season including the loss of outside half Keith James to Cardiff and fullback John Anthony who moved to the Midlands . Roger Francis and Del Haines missed many matches due to injury and Newport suffered from an astonishing crop of injuries during the season. Captain Geoff Evans stuck manfully to the task and was re-elected captain for 1973-74.

Flanker Keith Poole became the 4th Newport player to pass 350 appearances.

The season?s leading points scorer was fullback Robin Williams who scored 194pts having joined from Pontypool . Gerry Fuller scored 121pts while leading try scorer was Paul Evans with only 9. Gerry Fuller made the most appearances with 44 followed by Geoff Evans on 43.