NEWPORT are swamped by night time rugby again at the start of the new season. Six of their first seven matches are on a Friday or Saturday night because of television demands.

Only last season, Newport protested about the high number of games they had to play at night.

That alienated many fans and also turned off potential sponsors and hospitality box purchasers.

Supporters regularly wrote to the Argus, complaining about the lack of traditional Saturday afternoon rugby.

But clearly pleas have fallen on deaf ears and there will be more of the same this autumn and winter, starting with the first game when Newport take on Bridgend in the Celtic League on Friday August 30.

Clubs whose matches are televised receive extra money from BBC Wales and S4C, amounting to between £1,500-£2,000 each time.

BBC and S4C have a joint deal with the Welsh Rugby Union to show games of their choice on a Friday and Saturday night, respectively.

One of Newport's fixtures is at the extraordinary time of 8pm on Saturday September 7 as Pontypridd decide to experiment.

The televised game between Pontypridd and Newport at Sardis Road would otherwise clash with the Finland-Wales European qualifier which is also being shown live. So the club have decided to put the kick-off back with the aim of enticing rugby fans to watch the football match first in the bar.

Pontypridd are promoting the game heavily, and, as their first home match with Neil Jenkins back at Sardis Road, they are hoping for a first 8,000 full house in five years.