Black and Ambers Former Players Association
The Black and Ambers Newport Former Players Association was founded at a meeting held at Rodney Parade on the 29th November 1985, a constitution was agreed upon, rules formulated and officers elected. Any former playing members of the Newport 1 XV, United, Extra’s, Under 21’s and Youth are eligible for membership.
The aim of the Association is to promote and foster the game of Rugby, to encourage the Former Players of Newport Rugby Football Club to further their contact with the parent club and to foster sociability and good fellowship.
The original officers were Ken Jones – President, Brian Danaher – Secretary, Dick Sheppard – Treasurer. The committee also included; Ewart Pryer – Chairman, Jim Blackborow, Brian Cresswell, Ron Davies, John Holder, Dennis Perrott and Paul Watts. In addition the Newport Rugby Football Club were asked to nominate one member to serve on the committee.
The Association is run by a committee made up of the President, Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and other Former Players. Elections for all the posts are held at the A.G.M.
In recognition of their outstanding contribution and life-long commitment and service to Newport Rugby Club, both as players and in various official capacities and for their support and dedication to the Former Players Association, the following have been awarded the honour of Life Membership of the Association:-
Jeff Watkins, Paul Watts, Keith Poole, James Brunnock and Geoff Hughes.
Approximately three reunions are held over the course of the year, it is the intention to increase these as the Association develops.
History of Newport RFC
Newport RFC is one of the original great amateur Rugby Football Clubs with over 150 years of unmatched achievements. Some claim Newport to be the greatest of them all.
Newport have had six invincible seasons, they were unbeaten for four seasons before sustaining their first defeat in the 1870’s and they were unbeaten again in 1891-2 and 1822-23. In two other seasons Newport missed invincibility by only one goal kick . In 1894-5 their only defeat was to Llanelli and in 1950-1 Newport lost two matches to Harlequins and Exeter.
Newport has provided internationals for all four home countries as well as Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Fiji, South Africa and New Zealand.
In a regular fixture, against Bristol, the Newport team consisted totally of internationals.
Newport have contributed more than 200 internationals and 29 British and Irish Lions.
Newport have beaten South Africa (Twice 1912: 9-3 and 1969: 11-6 ), Australia (1957: 11-0), Tonga (1974: 14-6) and were the only team to beat the All Blacks of 1963, (Score 3-0), probably the finest New Zealand side to visit these shores and Newport were to prevent the 5th All Blacks invincibility.
On top of all this the All Blacks of 1924 and the powerful Springboks of 1960 considered themselves lucky to escape defeat at Rodney parade.
History in Photographs
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