Cardiff edge out Dragons
Oct 18 – After their 43-0 drubbing at Glasgow the Dragons put up a better show against Cardiff at Rodney Parade. Cardiff took the spoils 24-17 but the Dragons rallied in the second half after a disappointing start. At least they can say they claimed a bonus point in what may be the last such professional fixture between the two sides in Newport.
A series of penalties gifted Cardiff three tries despite a counter effort by Coghlan from close range. Southworth added a try in the second half and O’Brien slotted a penalty to narrow the Cardiff advantage to seven points. A poor match, 7348 in attendance and 21 consecutive victories in the fixture for Cardiff.
Dragons continue improvement with draw
Oct 4 – The Dragons ended their poor run at Rodney Parade with 17-all draw with the Sharks at a windswept Rodney Parade last night . Playing with the wind in the second half the Dragons failed to take advantage and ended the game with a series of unsuccessful forward drives when all they needed to do was slot a drop goal to win the game.
The Sharks, playing with the elements were ahead by three points, 17-14 at half-time. Marvin Orie and Vincent Tshituka scored for the South Africans with tries for the Dragons by number eight Aaron Wainwright and full-back Angus O’Brien both converted by Titus de Beer. De Beer added a second half penalty.
The result ended an 18 match losing streak for the Newport based club and followed last week’s 42-21 defeat at Ulster.
Local rugby round up
Sep 20 – In WRU League 1 East Newport HSOB made it two out of two, beating Monmouth at home 22-20 today. In League 2 East Newport Saracens are unbeaten after two matches, following last week’s win over Pill Harriers (24-20) with a 36-10 away win at Pontypool United. Harriers bear Cwmbran this afternoon 31-19. Caerleon are fourth in League 3 East after beating RTB Ebbw Vale 42-13. In League 4 East Whiteheads have a 50 per cent record, going down narrowly at Oakdale by 8 to 6. In League 5 East Hartridge are yet to play a fixture but Bettws beat Hollybush in their first fixture this afternoon by 15 to 8. In League 6 East St Julian’s HSOB followed up last week’s win over Magor (28-10) at Glebelands with a 13-6 defeat at New Tredegar. Magor opened their account by beating Girlings 22-7 at Caldicot Leisure Centre.
Dragons in encouraging win
Sept 14 – The Dragons made it two out of two wins in friendly encounters after beating the scarlets 33-28 at Rodney Parade yesterday. The impressive win in a highly entertaining match included a hat trick from centre Joe Westwood and a try from new scrum half Harry Beddall.
The Dragons other win was 45-12 against Hartpury last week.
New Dragons shirt revealed
Sept 2 – The Dragons will wear the latest evolution of their home kit – designed by Official Kit Partners VX3 – for the first time this coming Saturday (September 6) when they face Hartpury in a pre-season fixture at 4ED Stadium.
The new home jersey this season is a vibrant amber with black trim and lettering – to represent our city and history – and once again features front of shirt sponsor Dragon Signs proudly across the chest. The jersey is complimented by amber shorts and amber socks with black hoops.
Newport forfeit league after crucial match abandoned
Aug 30 – Newport Cricket Club failed to take the South Wales Premier League after their home clash with second placed St Fagan’s was abandoned due to heavy rain. The home side scored 17-1 from 10 overs before the rains arrived. The wicket meant St Fagans gained an extra two,points sufficient to deny Newport the title by a point!
Exciting conclusion to cricket season in prospect
Aug 24 – Newport beat Pontarddulais by 48 runs away from home today to set up an exciting end to the season. They are just one point ahead of St Fagans who beat Usk at home with one match to play. The match will involve a contest between the two top sides next Saturday at Spytty. Newport scored 163 runs with a lead score of 40 from Michael Clayden. In response Pontarddulais struggled with only Matthew Fisher making runs with an impressive 69. Salman Saeed took 4 for 28.
Newport CC just get home against Swansea
Aug 16 – Newport beat Swansea with seventeen balls to spare at Spytty, winning their South Wales Premier League encounter by 46 runs. A run out combination of Friend and Noah Rice took the family wicket. Harry Friend scored his third consecutive century (109) as Newport put up 272 in their fifty overs at Spytty against Swansea. Jack Hope Bell provided able support with 91. Hope Bell played a prominent role in the bowling too taking 4 wickets along with a fine bowling effort from Salman Saaed as Swansea made a valiant effort. Newport still lead the table by four!
Tour of Britain heading to Newport
Aug 10- The City of Newport will be hosting the start for the upcoming Lloyds Tour of Britain Mens Stage 6 race taking place between Newport and Cardiff on Sunday 7 September 2025. The team presentation, before the final stage of the race will be held inside the Geraint Thomas Velodrome, so spectators will be able to secure limited free tickets to enjoy the live team presentations from inside the Geraint Thomas Velodrome.
The event will start at 10am, with the presentation beginning at 10.30am followed by the race start at 11.45am. Newport Live, Newport City Council and Beicio Cymru with the support of British Cycling will hold a whole host of events on the day too including track taster sessions, a bike valet service and more – details of which will be announced over the coming days and can be found by following Newport Live on social and checking the website.
Stage Timings
START Geraint Thomas National Velodrome of Wales 11:45 | Pontymister 12:06 | Wattsville 12:14 | Blackwood 12:26 | Crumlin 12:37 | Ebbw Vale 12:58 | Markham 13:14 | Rhymney 13:32 | Deri 13:53 | Bargoed 13:59 | Nelson 14:11 | Ystrad Mynach 14:17 | Caerphilly 14:26 | FINISH North Road, Cardiff 14:45
The penultimate stage (5) of the Lloyds Tour of Britain on Saturday 6 September will be the first of two days of action-packed racing in south Wales, as Pontypool and The Tumble welcome Britain’s biggest professional cycle race.
The Lloyds Tour of Britain Men makes its first visit to Pontypool in the Torfaen district for the stage start, with a route through Monmouthshire that will finish with a double ascent of the famous climb of The Tumble, above Abergavenny.
Newport CC maintain lead
Aug 9 – In the thrilling climax to the South Wales Premier League Newport held on to their four point advantage after hammering Bridgend. Harry Friend hit an undefeated 100 out of 249. Bridgend were bowled out for 171 with Dean Cosker taking 3 for 11. Next up they face Swansea at home.
Newport CC edge further ahead
Aug 2 – Newport beat Ammanford away by 199 runs to increase their lead in the South Wales Premier League by a point to four point. St Fagans, their nearest rivals, won at Cardiff. Newport amassed 288 including a fine 134 from opener Harry Friend before skittling out Ammanford for 89 with Mujeid Ilyas taking 6 for 24.
Newport CC maintain narrow advantage
July 26 – Newport have maintained a narrow advantage at the top of the South Wales Premier League after a 15 run victory over Usk at Spytty Park. They scored 168 all out with McMillan scoring 48. They restricted Usk to 153 with an inspired spell from Tom Barry who ended their innings by taking 3 for 9. Newport are three points ahead of nearest rivals, St Fagan’s.
Newport lead as cricket league hits halfway
July 5 – Newport head into the second half of the South Wales Premier League in the lead, seven points ahead of nearest rivals, St Fagans. They face Cardiff away today, a team they beat comprehensively at home earlier in the campaign. Led by Michael Clayden, their team is supplemented by experienced county cricketers Dean Cosker and Mark Wallace. Top batter is Campbell MacMillan from Zimbabwe, currently averaging 78.20, with two centuries and a highest score of 122. Top bowler is Salman Saaed who has taken 17 wickets at an an average of 13.29. Jak Cosker, son of Dean and Harry Wallace, son of Mark have also made very promising starts to their senior careers. Update – the match with Cardiff was cancelled, both sides awarded 5 points.
Dragons season review 2024/25
June 7 – Under Dai Flanagan (sacked in November 2024) and interim coach Filo Tiatia, the Dragons endured a difficult campaign in the United Rugby Championship, finishing bottom (16th) with just one win from 18 matches . Their sole triumph came early in the season, snatching a dramatic 23–21 home win over Ospreys at Rodney Parade, courtesy of a Luke Yendle late try and conversion by Lloyd Evans .
Wales flanker Taine Basham reached his 100-game milestone and remained a standout performer , while young wing/full‑back Huw Anderson, promoted from the academy, impressed with his Challenge Cup debut and secured a long‑term deal. The club also boosted its frontline strength by signing forwards Solomone Funaki, Harry Wilson, Steve Cummins, and prop Oli Burrows ahead of the season .
In the URC, Dragons showed grit in Welsh derbies. Despite an opening‑day victory, they lost 31–23 to Cardiff in November , and narrowly fell 22–24 on Boxing Day . They were outclassed by Scarlets on New Year’s Day, falling 32–15 despite tries from Basham and Anderson .
In the European Challenge Cup, they failed to progress beyond the pool stage, finishing fifth. Crowds and enthusiasm for the region were at an all time low but off the pitch the club maintained strong community ties and stable ticket pricing, while academy graduates like Owen Conquer and Oli Woodman joined the senior ranks .
Ultimately, the 2024/25 season was a step backwards in results, but glimpses of a rebuild emerged: the rise of youth, strategic signings, and a tougher edge under Tiatia. The foundations are set for improvement next season. The Newport based side signed the new Welsh Professional Rugby Agreement to confirm enhanced funding for next season and their new squad has a better look including a host of new signings – Dillon Lewis, Wyn Jones, Levi Douglas, Thomas Young, Tinus de Beer, Seb Davies, Harry Beddall, Fetili Paea and Fine Inisi. They have lost Will Reed, Harry Wilson, Joe Davies, Dan Lydiate and Ashton Hewitt amongst others. New season fixtures begin on September 26 away at Ulster.
Related article – Cardiff crisis
Nepal head to Newport Cricket Club
May 24 –After a fantastic match where they won against the Cardiff UCCE students last week the Nepal International Team play another match at Spytty Park, Newport on Monday, May 26th.
They will play Glamorgan Seconds in a 50 over contest starting at 11am. Nepal are on the first leg of their Uk Tour, before travelling to Scotland to play three ICC 50 over Internationals and two T20 Internationals against Scotland at the end of the month.
On the domestic front after the first set of fixtures Newport currently lead the South Wales Premier League, three points ahead of second placed Bridgend. They are away at Usk today.
Ireland dominate at Rodney Parade
Apr 21 – Ireland proved too strong for Wales as the Women’s Six Nations rolled into Newport on Sunday. The Welsh team started strongly as Ireland squandered a number of opportunities. Cox opened the scoring with a try after a kick through from George, Bevan converted. Despite another flurry from Wales it was a fitter Ireland who dominated, winning the penalty count. Tries from Djougang and Waffer converted by O’Brien put them 14-7 up. Ireland’s fly-half was shown a yellow card for a high tackle on Alex Callender. Ireland added two more during this period and completely dominated the second half (Djougang, Waffer and Wall – 2, adding tries, 1 converted by O’Brien, 2 by Breen ).Bluck got a consolation for Wales converted by Bevan, in an otherwise disappointing performance. Despite this, a great occasion at Rodney Parade, with a buoyant crowd and festival atmosphere.
Cycle speedway season under way
Mar 26 – Newport may have lost its speedway team fifteen years ago but it still retains two very active cycle speedway teams.Formed in 1975 Newport Cycle Speedway is based at the Velodrome site with its track near the front of the main building on Velodrome Way under the stewardship of local legend Colin Simmons. Their first home match is against Poole on April 6. East Newport Cycle Speedway are based at Larch Grove, Llanmartin. They opened their season on March 8 with a home win over Norwich by 96-84. They run weekly sessions for youngsters from age 6 upwards. The two sides face each other at the Velodrome on June 20th!
Alix Popham seeks to highlight rugby’s head injury crisis
Feb 18 – Former Newport hero Alix Popham states he can no longer remember his rugby career due to head injuries he sustained on the field of play. The former Welsh international was diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) at the age of 40.
CTE is a progressive brain condition that is thought to be caused by repeated blows to the head and episodes of concussion. Popham told the BBC Newsnight programme “My neurologist, when he diagnosed me, they worked out I had over 100,000 sub-concussive hits in my brain.”
He is calling on World Rugby to end its fight in the courts with former players, 560 of whom are seeking legal redress against the sport’s governing bodies. His wife Mel told the BBC “We had everything going for us. We’d recently got married, had Darcy, living in a house we loved and our world was just changing. It was really frightening.”
World Rugby told the BBC that player welfare was their number one priority, with the recently introduced 20-minute red card punishment being implemented as a trial. The new provision was criticised by a brain expert, Willie Stewart, he stated it ‘places the spectacle of the game ahead of player’s brains”.
Alix and Mel have helped found charity Head for Change, set up to support ex-rugby players and ex-footballers affected by neurodegenerative disease as a result of their careers.
Newport hammer Bridgend
Aug 13 – Newport maintained their charge for the Premier League title with a 133 run victory over Bridgend in a match restricted to 36 overs. They amassed 218/4 thanks to a Morgan Bevans century (109 not out) and an unbeaten 64 from Imran Hassan. Bridgend were bowled out for 85 in 23 overs, Michael Clayden taking 4 for 15.
Newport complete double over Swansea to go top
Aug 6 – Newport beat Swansea for a second time this season to go 16 points clear at the top of the South Wales Premier League. In an exciting match at Spytty Park Callum Taylor (102);and Morgan Bevans (76) led Newport home with a fantastic partnership , Taylor hitting a 4 and 6 to win the match and to take him to his century.
Newport end Swansea’s unbeaten run
June 25 – Newport ended Swansea’s unbeaten run with a fine 24 run victory at St.Helen’s. Newport scored 240 aided by a superb 94 from Michael Clayden. Swansea got close but fell away ending on 216, Aberwardena had figures of 4-30, Ilyas 3-53. Newport are now third on 107 points, Swansea dropped to second on 110, new leaders St Fagan’s have 111 points.
Newports hosts major cycle speedway events
Jun 5 - England took the honours as Newport hosted a highly competitive day of international racing on Sunday. The main internationals at the Velodrome saw England win men’s, junior’s and veterans events. In the men’s event Newport’s Ben Mould starred but overall England were too strong.
The scoring was as follows -
- England – 75 (Aaron Smith 16, Ben Clarke 15, Chris Timms 15, Josh Brooke 15, Zac Payne 14)
- Wales - 65 (Ben Mould 15, Mark Carmichael 14, Dan Bock 12, Wil Bristowe 12, Adam Bennett 12)
- Scotland 31 4. Ireland 27
In the women’s regional pairs the North and Scotland were victorious with the South and South Wales finishing second. In a separate Battle of Britain event at East of Newport cycle speedway in Underwood the South and South West took the honours beaten North and Scotland.
Newport lose to Cardiff in high scoring season opener
Apr 29 – Cardiff beat Newport by four wickets in a high scoring season opener at Spytty Park. Newport scored 258 from their 50 overs with a fine 112 from opener Harry Friend the highlight. Henry Hurle scored an unbeaten 80 as Cardiff made it with just two balls to spare.
Local rugby round up
Apr 29 – In WRU 2 East Caerleon lost at Cwmbran 24-17, Newport HSOB lost at home to Caldicot 15-30 and Pill Harriers were hammered 65-0 at home by leaders Talywain. In 4 East Newport Saracens won 20-0 at New Tredegar and Whiteheads overcame St Julian’s 38-26. In 5 East leaders Bettws beat Beaufort 47-8. In 6 East Magor beat Cwmcarn by 38-17
Local rugby round up
Apr 22 – The Dragons beat Scarlets at Cardiff 31-14. In WRU 2 East Pill lost 38-31 at Blackwood and Newport HSOB lost 31-5 at Ynysddu. In East 4 Newport Saracens won 20-17 at Panteg, Whitehead lost 23-7 at Fleur de Lys and St Julian’s picked up a losing bonus point going down 21-14 to Bedwellty. In East 5 Bettws stretched their lead at the top with a 23-17 win at Hollybush. In East 6 Hartridge lost 20-0 at Forgeside, Magor won 67-17 at Girlings.
Local rugby round up
Apr 15 – In WRU East 2 Caerleon went down 12-20 to Caldicot and Newport HSOB lost 21-34 at home to Talywain. In East 4 Newport Saracens hammered Hafodyrynys 52-7 at home but St Julians HSOB suffered a big defeat , 76-12, at Chepstow. In East 6 Magor beat Trefil 20 to nil.
Newport set for Marathon on Sunday
The ABP Newport Wales Marathon & 10K will take place on Sunday 16 April 2023.
The popular race is a firm favourite in the Welsh running calendar, boasting one of the flattest marathon courses in the UK. Over 70% of all finishers have claimed a PB on a route that offers iconic landmarks, like the city’s Transporter Bridge and the stunning scenery of the Gwent Levels – with its coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.
The fast and fun supporting 10K race, which attracts some of the UK’s top athletes, gives runners of all abilities the opportunity to get involved in the festival of running, without committing to the challenging 26.2-mile distance.
Information for city residents including road closures are given here
Cycle Speedway action gets under way
Apr 8 – Cycle speedway action gets under way next week at the front of the Velodrome as Newport take on Birmingham in the National League.
The meeting takes place at the Sports Village on Sunday 16 April at 4.30pm
Local rugby round up
Apr 8 – In WRU East 2 there were big defeats for Newport sides – Pill went down 78-7 at Abergavenny, Caerleon by 94-0 to Ynysddu. Newport HSOB won 14-12 at Blackwood. In East 4 Newport Saracens won 56-7 at Blackwood All Stars, Whiteheads beat Bedwellty 27-22 but St Julian’s went down 29-22 at home to New Panteg. In East 5 promotion chasing Bettws beat Pontllanfraith 28-14.
Local rugby round up
Apr 1 – In the European Challenge Cup the Dragons are away at Glasgow this evening. Meanwhile, in the afternoon’s rugby Caerleon were trounced 71-5 at home by second placed Talywain. In WRU East 6 Magor won 30-20 at Trefil. All other fixtures were postponed.
Latest – the Dragons lost 73-33.
Local rugby round up
Mar 25 – In the URC the Dragons went down to a comprehensive 37-18 defeat to the Ospreys at Swansea. In League 2 East improving Newport HSOB beat leaders Abergavenny 14-12 at Bailey Park to move within reach of third place Ynysddu. Pill Harriers beat Oakdale 45-7 but Caerleon went down 10-3 at Blackwood. In League 4 East promotion chasing Whiteheads beat New Panteg 32-29.
Local rugby round up
Mar 4 – In League 4 East Whiteheads won at Blackwood Stars 29-10, St Julian’s lost at home to Nantyglo 57-16. In League 5 East Bettws moved into the promotion spot with a 22-10 victory at Crickhowell in only their fifth game of the season. In 6 East Hartridge lost at home to Forgeside by 41 to 17.
Local rugby round up
Feb 18 – In East Division 2 Pill beat Cwmbran 20-17, Newport HSOB won at Oakdale 45-7, Caerleon went down 38-5 at leaders Abergavenny. In East Division 6 Magor went down 15-12 at home to Hartridge.
McGoldrick makes Newport boxing history
Feb 11 – Sean McGoldrick became the first Newport boxer for 40 years to win a British title. McGoldrick emulated the achievement of David Pearce by beating Scott Allan to win the bantamweight title at Cardiff on a majority decision.
Glasgow too strong for Dragons
Jan 28 – Glasgow Warriors proved too strong for the Dragons at Rodney Parade. The Scottish side won 42-21 having led the game throughout. The Dragons scored three converted tries from Rhodri Williams, Tomlinson and Balham.
Local rugby round up
Jan 28 – In the Newport derby in League 2 East Pill Harriers hammered Caerleon 36-0, Newport HSOB went down 27-25 at Croesyceiliog. In League 4 East third placed Whiteheads went down 18-3 at Nantyglo. There were wins for Newport Saracens and St Julian’s HSOB. In League 6 East Hartridge lost 26-19 at home to leaders Abersychan. Magor won at Old Tyleryans by 28-14.
Dragons beaten by Lions
Jan 23 – The Dragons retrieved a significant deficit but finally went down to South African side the Lions by 30 to 25 in the Heineken Cup. The match was moved from Rodney Parade to Ystrad Mynach due to a frozen pitch in Newport. The crowd was restricted to season ticket holder so consequently was very small. Dragons led with an early Reed try but the all weather pitch proved no barrier to the Lions who scored tries through Horn and van der Merwe and a succession of penalties from Hendrikse. The Dragons hit back in the second half with tries from Sieuli, Jordan Williams and Dyer. They still go through to the last 16 where they face Glasgow away on the weekend March 31 to April 2.
Local rugby round up
Jan 16 – In the only match involving a Newport team this weekend in League 2 East Pill Harriers went down 52-14 at Ynysddu. All other games were postponed.
Local football round up
Jan 16 – in the Ardal League South East the two Newport teams clashed at Newport Stadium on Friday with Newport City emerging victorious over Lliswerry by 3 goals to 2. Newport City remain in the bottom two. In the Gwent Premier League Pill are well placed in third place a point behind rivals who have played three or four matches more. They won 3-2 on Saturday at Cwmbran Celtic.