A NEW face is set to wow Newport's rugby fans - and he could even convert some previously uninterested in the game, writes Jane Helmich.

Monty - Percival Colin Montgomery - has finally arrived and could be pulling on the famous Black and Amber shirt as soon as Saturday.

He cheered a rather damp Newport when he was introduced at Rodney Parade yesterday. And I predict a larger-than-normal turnout of female rugby fans for his first home game.

Monty is used to being in the spotlight in his native South Africa where he was a pin-up for many adoring fans.

But girls, before you get to carried away, there's some bad news... he has a fiance Tasmin who hopes to join him next year, with her six-year-old son Nicholas Unruffled by the media attention his arrival in Newport sparked, the 28-year-old sun-streaked blond, who has blue eyes and a dazzling smile, once revealed more of himself when he did a "Full Monty."

He took it with good grace when pressed about this. "I knew that would come up. The film came out in South Africa when I was on a European tour and we just did it as a fun thing." Monty refused to be drawn on his private life. He's currently staying with his agent in Cardiff, but did admit he could soon be house hunting in the Newport area.

Monty made a previous visit to Newport in May when he had a look around. "I was quite impressed, it was nice."

He said it was very different from South Africa. "It's a lot quieter. I'm looking forward to taking up the challenge. I want to meet as many people as I can and enjoy the culture."

Monty did not seem overawed by the fact that Newport had a shaky start to the season although their fortunes have picked up with victories in their last two games. "I want to play as soon as possible and get stuck in," he said, adding he had a positive attitude. Newport's supporters could get to judge Tony Brown's latest signing as soon as Saturday as he has been named in the squad for the away game against Swansea.