AROUND 4,000 Newport rugby supporters flocked to Rodney Parade over the weekend to attend the club's annual open day.

Fans were entertained by face painting stalls, music from Red Dragon Radio, and a reptile display from Bristol Zoo though for the majority it was a chance to get their fix of Newport rugby ahead of the start of a new season.

Almost every member of the squad turned out to sign autographs, chat to supporters and hold coaching sessions on skills such as tackling, passing and kicking.

The event was blessed with sunny weather which helped to swell the turn-out and surpass the success of last year's event.

Jonathan Cook, Newport RFC marketing manager said: "The aim of the day is to show people what we have on offer here at Rodney Parade and tell them what the club is all about.

"Looking at the numbers that turned out today it certainly seems at least as big as last year".

Club captain Simon Raiwalui, who had just returned from international duty with Fiji, said: "It's a really good turnout and it just goes to show that we probably have the best support in Wales. Just like all the players, it seems the supporters cannot wait for the start of the new season".

* In the picture: Newport players Jason Jones-Hughes, back, and Nathan Brew sign autographs for Darrell Wilder, left, and Rhys Bartlett.