NEWPORT could give the freedom of the city to some of its sporting heroes it was announced today.

Newport City Council’s leader Councillor Bob Bright is proposing that the award should go to surviving members of the Newport RFC team that beat the All Blacks in 1963 and to Newport County following their promotion to the football league.

Both proposals will be put to the full council at its meeting on 23 July.

Newport RFC enjoyed a famous victory over the touring New Zealand side on 30 October 1963 beating them 3-0 thanks while Newport County returned to the football league after 25 years’ absence after beating Wrexham in the play-off final at Wembley in May.

Cllr Bright said: “I thought it was an opportune time to honour the rugby legends of 1963, whose unexpected and thrilling victory is still remembered and spoken about, and today’s football heroes – both have given us something to be proud of.

“Newport has a great reputation as a sporting city and I hope the rest of the council will support the proposal to bestow the freedom of the city on some of those who have helped to create that reputation.”