FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR NEWPORT RFC

By Newport RFC | 14/06/2012

It is full steam ahead at Rodney Parade as Newport RFC has started its preparations for the 2012/13 season in earnest with the announcement of the recruitment of six players.

Making a return to Newport is scrum half and crowd favourite Andrew Quick. Andrew will bring experience to the side with his ability to control a game. He will be joined in Black and Amber colours by Craig Everett a versatile ball-carrying back row forward, outside centre Dan Robinson who is a proven try scorer and will give the side creativity, outside half Scott Sneddon who is renowned for his very good kicking game and will give the side field position, attacking fullback Geraint O’Driscoll who has experience of regional rugby and is an excellent goal kicker with a good all-round game and exciting scrum half Rhys Downes who joins from the Blues Academy and has a big future ahead of him.

Speaking on the signings, Newport’s head coach, Sven Cronk, said: “The calibre of the players in this announcement firmly puts the marker down that we want to push for league and British and Irish Cup glory.

“The players that we have signed will play an important role in us having a successful season. Our focus is firmly on the season ahead and we are building a strong squad to mount an onslaught on the league and cup. Everyone is excited about next season and looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.”

Newport will start their preparations for the 2012/13 season next week when pre season training will begin. Season tickets are currently on sale and Newport RFC has introduced a streamlined pricing structure from the previous season. Supporters will now pay the same rate regardless of which stand they watch games from. A new initiative allowing U20s to claim a free season ticket has also been introduced.

A season ticket guarantees entry to all home Principality Premiership home matches, home pool stage entry to British and Irish Cup games and priority booking on SWALEC Cup fixtures.

Newport has also confirmed the release of four players, Scott Williams, Gareth Bowen, Craig Hill and Alex Jones who are all moving onto pastures new.

Both Scott and Craig came through the Newport Youth side with Scott Williams making his first appearance in 2001, he has appeared 217 times for Newport, scoring 41 tries. Craig played 131 games for Newport since joining in 2002 and scored 33 tries. Craig represented Wales in the 7s team and was part of the squad that won the World cup in 2009. Both have played for the Newport Gwent Dragons.

Gareth Bowen joined Newport in 2010 and made 35 appearances and in that time kicked 240 points. Alex Jones joined in 2009 and captained the side last season. He made 95 appearances and scored four tries.

“On behalf of the Black and Ambers we would like to thank the players who are leaving for their efforts while they were at Newport and wish them all the best for the future,” concluded Sven Cronk.

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