NEWPORT caoch Leigh Jones is prepared to recall players from national squad duties if necessary to ensure the club's pre-season build-up is not severely disrupted.

With some players on senior squad call, others involved in Wales Sevens Commonwealth Games training and some on deserved holiday breaks, Newport's new head coach fears a badly hampered start to the new campaign.

He says he and assistant Richard Hill will have to map out a considered approach and make do with just the three pre-season warm-ups against Gloucester (twice) and Pontypool to get things right before the Celtic League programme starts.

But he has to ensure Newport's best interests come first. "In view of the amount of rugby some have played, I think three pre-season games are going to be enough," said the former Ebbw Vale coach.

"Of more concern is the amount of time we are going to have together as a full squad. "We are probably only going to have two to three weeks lead up to the new season because of Wales commitments and other things.

"And the picture isn't clear from my point of view. Wales coach Steve Hansen has negotiated this six-weeks window for the national squad players, which started in July. "I've spoken to Steve and he's very open-minded and flexible and appreciates we are coming into a difficult situation in Newport.

"So I'm sure we'll negotiate a sensible outcome for all parties. "I'm quite happy now, because of other players being away, that Steve has the players when he wants them, but there might come a time later in the month that I have to do what's right for Newport."