History of Newport RFC :: 1874

Below are a few words that people associated with the club have said about the website. We thanks them for their comments and support. If you would like to add a few words of your own please sign our guestbook. It would be appreciated.

"The History Of Newport Rugby is a superb resource detailing the history of one of the great clubs of world rugby. A browse through this brilliant site is a must for rugby fans of all ages!"

Phil Steele
BBC Wales Commentator and played 54 times for Newport 1983/4-1989/90.
29th March 2005

"I think that the website is a very exciting development. It allows us to keep our loyal following informed of club developments. I would like to recognise the enormous amount of dedicated work that has to go in to such a project, not only in the start up stages but the ongoing maintenance and updating of the site. This is a testimony to all the hard work of those involved with FONR Trust. I would like to think that in the future both the coaches and players can provide you with material to help promote both the trust and website. Thanks again for your continued support."

Dai Rees
Newport RFC Coach
9th February 2005

"I think that the FONR project 'Preserving the Past' is a fantastic project, undertaken by a great bunch of people; true Newport Supporters. I was born in Newport and having lived in Newport all of my life the 'Club' has always been very dear to me. Putting on the Black and Amber shirt was always an honour and although sometimes expected, never ever taken for granted. I feel equally proud watching Richard do the same. The name of Newport RFC is synonymous with the very best of world club rugby and many of our past players are universally recognised as 'True Greats' of the game. Our record against touring sides is second to none. It is indeed a past worth preserving. Very well done to all involved."

Jim Dale
Played 205 times for Newport from 1971/72 -1981/82

"What an excellent website, a must for all true supporters of Newport RFC. Congratulations to FONR Trust for what must have been labour of love to produce such detailed information on the complete history of the club. It brings back so many memories of Newport's heyday particularly as a young supporter during 1940's and 1950's, as a player in the 60's and coach in the 70's. Well done FONR Trust."

John Ryan
Played 22 times for Newport from 1959/60 - 1961/62, Newport Coach from 1973-8 winning the Welsh Cup in 1977, and Wales Coach in 1988.

"I would like to congratulate the people behind this project - you should be very proud of what you have achieved. This is a wonderful way of making our glorious history available to everyone. To spend an hour reading about Newport Rugby Football Club’s great players, great victories and great seasons is a truly humbling experience. On behalf of all Newport supporters I would like to thank FONR and everyone involved."

Dennis Bennett
Chairman of the Supporters Club

"I am very impressed with the look and the amount of detail contained on the site. I think it is user friendly and would encourage people to find out about the history of the club. One thing that really caught my eye was the feature where you could click on a players name and find out more information about that player. The variety of features is another plus point and I found it to be a very interesting and informative site. It definitely makes history interesting and far from boring as are the usual preconceived ideas!"

Kath McCarthy
Newport RFC

"An excellent historical rugby site, reminding both ex players and supporters of the outstanding individuals and teams that represented the Worldwide renowned Newport club with such great distinction."

David Burcher
Played 208 times for Newport scoring 67 tries. Captain 1976/77 - 1977/78

"Congratulations on a first class undertaking. It was great to read some of the reports and check out some of the stats. I look forward to many more hours on the site. I loved my time at Rodney Parade and although I never lived in Wales I was made to feel very much at home. Good Luck and thanks for all the effort that was put in!"

Gareth Rees
Scored 603pts in 47 games from 1993/4 to 1995/6

"Friends of Newport Rugby Trust have launched the definitive virtual book.....which documents the 130 year history of one of the most famous clubs in world rugby. Although only Phase One of the ambitious project has been completed it gives the playing record of every season up to 1999 together with a summary and team photograph. When complete this will be a remarkable historical record compiled mainly by four enthusiastic supporters. With the Welsh Rugby Union hell bent on destroying the great tradition of club rugby in Wales this is a timely reminder of a glorious past. It is also the way forward, for clubs based in communities with an identity are the strength in any major sport in this country." We strongly recommend a visit to: http://www.historyofnewport.co.uk/

Jon Charles
Sportingwales.com

"Brilliant website - well done."

Steve Lewis
Author of several books about Newport RFC - www.rugbybuythebook.co.uk