1953/4 saw Newport RFC have their worst season since the war under captain Ken Jones but they enthusiastically entered into the Sevens tournament in 1954. The WRU gave no support but all the leading clubs had agreed to leave the day free. Cardiff were unable to play and Bristol guested. In those days Tredegar and South Wales Police were not involved. It was a strange looking Newport team that took the field in May 1954. Flanker Doug Ackerman was at hooker while flanker Dick Sheppard was at prop and the other prop was British Lions and Wales centre Malcolm Thomas ! Ken Jones and Graham Ross were the wings and outside-half Roy Burnett played at scrum-half. An 18yr old youngster played in the centre/outside-half position and he was to have a long and distinguished playing, coaching and administration career at Newport RFC - it was Brian Jones. Other members of the squad who did not play were backs Bryn Williams and forwards Lyn Davies and Malcolm Quarterley.

There was speed, flair and aggressive mobile forwards and the players acquired the art of sevens as they went along developing into a fine Seven. It was a proud day for Bill Everson and 7,000 braved the heavy rain and forsook the counter attraction of the televised football Cup Final. They witnessed thrilling games, exciting and flowing rugby as well as some fine individual running and tries. There was a 33 minute (normal time 14 mins) marathon before Penarth beat Pontypool in the 2nd round. They moved wearily into the semi-final but gave Newport a fight before going down 6-3. Ken Jones scored tries in every match - a total of 5 tries - while Brian Jones gave a magnificent mature performance scoring 3 tries and kicking 1 conversion and 2 penalties in the tournament.

Reg Snelling, then Newport Athletic Club Chairman, presented the handsome trophy to Newport captain Ken Jones and so began the Snelling Sevens.

Swansea 14-3 W (Tries : K Jones 2, B Jones 2 and B Jones 1c)
Newbridge 9-0 W (Tries : K Jones, B Jones and B Jones 1p)
Penarth 6-3 W (Try : K Jones and B Jones 1p)
Ebbw Vale 6-0 W (Tries : G Ross and K Jones).

The referee for the final was international referee Mr I David and as this was his last ever game he buried his whistle on the halfway line spot at the end of the game.