PONTYPOOL'S former British Lion John Devereux, pictured, has got his duster ready for Saturday's friendly against arch-rivals Newport.

Devereux, who joined the First Division club from Bridgend this summer, told the Argus Pooler's first game of the pre-season was the perfect way to "dust off the cobwebs" ahead of the new campaign.

"This is a great way to get the season under way. We can use this match to test how far we have come in training and see just where our fitness levels are. I'm really looking forward to it, but hoping its not scorching hot," he said.

Devereux donned the Bridgend shirt for the final time against Newport last season and is likely to make his debut against the Black and Ambers at Pontypool Park this weekend.

"I'm looking forward to the game. It does feel like it was only yesterday though that it was the end of last season. It would have been nice to have had a bit longer off, but that's rugby," the former Wales international said.

Never one to mull over the sport for too long Devereux said training at the club was going "particularly well" and that last season's Division One runner-ups had a game plan in place.

"We've been working hard in training. We will need to be fully committed to win on Saturday. I don't think Newport will be bringing too many top names."