NEWPORT'S Wales A back row forward Alix Popham has joined Zurich Premiership new boys Leeds on a month's loan.

He is expected to make his debut for Leeds, coached by ex-Wales forward Phil Davies, against Wasps on Sunday.

But Newport, though willing to let Popham go short term, have insisted on a 48-hour call-back on the player should it be necessary.

Popham was capped by Wales at every youth level, then graduated through the under-21s and A side to the brink of the Welsh team, going on the senior tour to Japan last summer.

But he broke his wrist in September and was out for three months. On his return he found another young rising star, Andrew Powell, as well as Peter Buxton blocking his path at Rodney Parade.

"This should benefit the player and the club, just like Joe Powell's move with Harlequins last season," said Newport team manager Jim McCreedy.

"Hopefully we'll get Alix back here challenging and give him a positive view. He wants to get back in the Welsh set-up."

Popham signed a two-year extension to his contract with Newport at the end of last season.

Newport coach Ian McIntosh has recalled Andrew Powell and front row pair Rod Snow and James Richards for tonight's big game at Pontypridd which will put Newport on top of the Welsh/Scottish table if they win.

"We are putting on a pair of fresh legs with Rod and Jimmy and it's time for Andy to have a run," explained McIntosh, Powell returning after recovering from a thigh injury. But one surprise is the omission of Matthew Watkins in the only back division change. Ben Breeze is recalled on the wing, with the centre partnership of Andy Marinos and Jonathan Pritchard remaining for 'defensive' reasons.

"We know we didn't get our game going against Ebbw Vale, but we put in a few things that worked so there are some positive signs," said McIntosh.

"We are scrummaging well and because of that we are getting penalised and accused of going in early which is not the case at all," added McIntosh, in a reference to recent refereeing. Gareth Simmonds, another Newport 'favourite', is in charge tonight. Newport have won only once in 15 years at Sardis Road and Pontypridd will again offer fierce opposition, strengthened by an influx of more New Zealanders which ridicules previous claims the club were the heart of the Valleys.

Newport team: M Pini, M Mostyn, A Marinos, J Pritchard, B Breeze, S Howarth, O Tonu'u, R Snow, J Richards, C Anthony, S Raiwalui (captain), I Gough, P Buxton, A Powell, J Forster. Replacements: M Watkins, J Strange, D Burn, C Jones, P Young, M Voyle/D Cross, J Powell. Kick-off 7.05 pm.

Full back Emyr Lewis is about two weeks away from returning after being out with a broken thumb.