'NEWPORT Gwent Drag-ons will have plenty of support in the north-east of England on Sunday for their must-win Heineken Cup-tie against Newcastle at Kingston Park.

The Dragons received an allocation of 400 tickets for the match a couple of weeks ago and they have now all been sold.

Many more enquiries have been directed to the Newcastle club and tickets bought directly from them. The supporters club have booked three coaches and all places are full, accounting for 150 fans. Many more are travelling by car, with a lot flying from Bristol Airport as well.

"To fill three coaches is unheard of going away for the weekend," said Dennis Bennett, chairman of the supporters' club. "All tickets have been sold while others have made enquiries with Newcastle for field tickets and have made block bookings in hotels.

"A lot of people have been contacting us looking for places on the coaches, but they are now full."

The ground capacity is 10,200 and Newcastle say they still have tickets available. They can be obtained by calling 08712266060 or by going to the ticket office during normal hours.

The bookmakers have made group leaders Newcastle odds on favourites to remain on top and progress to the quarter-finals of the competition.

Perpignan, also well in the running and needing to beat Edinburgh at Murrayfield, are 5-1 and the Dragons are outsiders at 10-1.

The Dragons have to beat Newcastle, preferably earning a bonus point as well, and hope that Perpignan don't earn five points against Edinburgh if they are to make it through to the last eight.