WINNING the title for Newport -- that is the immediate aim for Peter Buxton, who leaves for Gloucester at the end of the season, and Matthew Watkins, likely to follow suit to Llanelli.

"It's important we win our remaining games to keep on track to win the league," said Buxton - despite last night's 36-20 defeat to Neath at Rodney Parade.

The Argus exclusively revealed yesterday he had signed a three-year deal with Gloucester to boost his claims of an England cap by playing regularly against all his rivals.

Watkins is set to move to Llanelli because of his wish to play at outside centre rather than on the wing where Newport coach Ian McIntosh has played him.

"It's vital to focus on the remaining games for Newport because we want to win the title," said Watkins.

Newport benefactor Tony Brown pays tribute to Buxton after two highly successful years at Rodney Parade.

"He has been a superb professional and has done a grand job. He will be sadly missed, but I wish him well in his future career," said Brown.

"We like to think he would have reached his England aspirations with Newport and I'm sorry to lose him, but I hope to see him wear the England shirt before long."

Nigel Melville, Gloucester's new director of rugby, said: "Peter is a big, strong, powerful player, who has proved this year how good he is.

"He's an England A player who lives locall, and has been the star of the Newport side this season.

"He can play six or eight in the back row and there was a lot of interest in him, so we are delighted to have made the signing."