NEWPORT Rugby Club has been given a lift by new sponsors Celtic Springs. The Black-and-Ambers have welcomed support from the developers of the £100m business park on the outskirts of Newport.

Celtic Springs, a joint venture development by awg Broadhall, the Welsh Development Agency and Newport council, has given its backing to the club and take the place of former sponsors Brunswick .

The new shirt was unveiled when the Celtic Springs development was officially unveiled last week.

Newport players Jason Jones-Hughes, Alix Popham and Paul Young gave the occasion a lift when they appeared.

Rugby mad Laura Villis, aged 18, who plays for Gordano Ladies RFC and is in the Somerset county side, modelled the new-logo emblazoned jersey.

l*Mike Davies, of Chepstow-based Broadhall who are joint partners in the development, said: "As one of the new major players on the Newport commercial scene we are pleased to be associated with one of the rugby world's leading club sides. Initially it is a one year sponsorship."

Newport rugby club chief executive Keith Grainger said: "Celtic Springs' support and involvement is a great boost for the club."

*PICTURED: Newport rugby players (from left) Alix Popham, Jason Jones-Hughes and Paul Young find a novel way to show off the new club strip worn by Laura Mills.