The Barbarian's President Brigadier Glyn Hughes said after the record 15 v 60 defeat the previous season - "Newport is a very famous club. You may have gone through a bad spell but you will surely rise again?". In 1973-74 under Geoff Evans's inspiring leadership and new coach John Ryan, Newport started to re-establish themselves as a major rugby force. Many young players were tried out and 14 defeats were suffered by the end of December. However a formidable pack had been developed and an exciting new outside half, Clive Jenkins, came to the fore. Newport then won 21 of 26 matches achieving their biggest ever win in 52yrs over London Welsh by 48 v 12. They then exacted revenge over the Barbarians by winning 16 v 0. Other notable victories included Cardiff , Harlequins, Moseley, Aberavon, Gloucester , Bridgend and an unbeaten tour of Cornwall .

Welsh Schoolboy international Clive Jenkins from Bassaleg won the Arthur Boucher Award and prop Rhys Morgan stepped straight from the youth side into the 1st XV and ended the season as top scorer with 126pts. Leading try scorer was winger Ken Davies while appearances were led by Geoff Evans (37), David Ford (33) and Rhys Morgan (33).